Government

Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate

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Watertown City and State officials appeared before a joint committee at the State House on Jan. 27, 2026, to discuss the City’s Home Rule Petition. Pictured, from left, Steve Owens, George Proakis, John Lawn, Earl Smith, and Mark Sideris. The City of Watertown’s effort to prevent a tax hike for residential property owners, which could be as high as 18%, cleared a major hurdle when it was approved the the House of Representatives on Beacon Hill. On July 8, the House unanimously approved the bill called “An Act relative to property tax classifications in the city of Watertown for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent fiscal years.”

Government

Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations

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Watertown residents will see an increase of 4.5% in both the water and sewer rates for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2026, which is slightly higher than forecasted a year ago. However, the future increase could be significantly higher than projected due in part to an error made calculating future year revenues. Last year, the City’s consultants, Weston & Sampson, projected a 4% increase in water and sewer rates in FY 2027. The actual increase will be half a percent higher, said Department of Public Works Director Thomas Brady. With the 4.5% increase, residents using 1,800 cubic feet of water will increase $5.10 per quarter ($115.28 to $120.38), and the sewer bill for using 1,800 cubic feet will increase $9.54 per quarter, from $213.48 to $223.02.

Government

Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee

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The Watertown Police Department is considering purchasing a drone like this one made by Paladin Drones (Photo from Paladin)

An automated drone is one of the new technologies being considered by the Watertown Police Department. On July 9, the City Council’s Public Safety Committee held a hearing to ask questions and hear from the public about the possible use of a drone. The Police Department’s request to have a drone came up in May at a budget hearing. The drone being considered by the Watertown Police is made by Paladin Drones, and would cost $24,000 to purchase, plus an annual cost of $49,000. Paladin’s drones are use solely by public safety agencie, and the company currently works with 115 communities.

Around Town

Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos

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The first moments on the water for the Wada Hoppah Charles River ferry boat. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

An idea formed three years ago took to the waters of the Charles River on July 11, 2026 when the Wada Hoppah ferry launched at the Newton Yacht Club. Watertown’s Drew Rollert hatched the idea after a thwarted attempt to attend a Boston Red Sox game in July 2023 by roadway, and he saw an empty Charles River. He decided then to create a ferry service from Watertown Square to Boston. Over the past year and a half, the electric ferry boat has been under design in Concord at Inriver Tank & Boat.

Around Town

Mutual Aid Group Delivers Air Conditioners in Watertown During Heat Wave

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Eddy Cole installs an air conditioner provided free by the Watertown Neighbors group. (Courtesy of Eddy Cole)

As the temperatures rose to dangerous levels in the first week of July, a group in Watertown leapt into action delivering air conditioners to those who need them, and which had been donated by other residents. The air conditioner redistribution is a project run by Watertown Neighbors, a mutual aid effort of the Watertown Rapid Response Network. Last year, members of the RRN — that formed to assist immigrants in town — looked for areas where the group could make a difference and fill a need in the community, said Watertown resident Allison Eck. “We thought that basically AC units was a place where we could provide real value and fill a real need, which is the goal of mutual aid,” Eck said.

Entertainment

Watertown Woman’s Film About the Pressures of Parenthood Showing at Several Film Festivals

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An image from “Late Fall.” The film was made by Watertown’s Abigail Jean Lucas, left, who acted in the film along with her son, Leander. A short film shot during the Pandemic, whose cast includes a Watertown filmmaker and her son, made its world premier in Ireland in May and will be part of several film festivals around the United States. Bringing “Late Fall” to the screen has been a long, meandering journey for Abigail Jean Lucas. The 18-minute film focuses on a young couple with a toddler facing the challenges of parenthood while making ends meet.

Around Town

A Celebration 250 Years in the Making: Watertown’s Treaty Day 2026

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The 2010 Reenactment of Signing of Treaty of Watertown at the Edmund Fowle House. (Courtesy of Historical Society. of Watertown)

In the days after the former 13 colonies declared their independence from Britain 250 years ago, Watertown had a moment. The town outside Boston became the center of government in Massachusetts, and two historic firsts took place right near Watertown Square. However, these occasions got lost in the ether somewhere between George Washington and George H.W. Bush.

Entertainment

Local Artists & Musicians Coming to Pair of Art Pop Ups in Watertown Square in July

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The Watertown Arts Market is still about a month away, but on two weekends in July there will be pop-up arts markets in Watertown Square featuring local artists and musicians. The Watertown Business Coalition, the City of Watertown and the Watertown Cultural Council teamed up to put on the Art Pop Ups in the heart of Watertown Square. On Saturday, July 11 and 25 from 3-7 p.m. several artists will have tables, and musicians will play on Merchants Row, the space next to CVS (27 Main St.)

Local visual artists will have original artwork for sale, and live acoustic musicians will entertain. The Art Pop Ups are free and open to all. “This pop-up experience is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!”