City Council approves 8.14% tax levy increase for 2026-27
The Watertown City Council unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget, which includes cuts to fire and codes department positions, a freeze on management wage increases, and a property tax rate increase of 8.38%. The council also kept refuse sticker prices at $5 after blocking a planned increase.
City Council overrides tax cap to cover budget shortfall
Watertown unanimously approved a local law allowing the city to exceed New York's two-percent tax levy cap, with the city manager warning that the fund balance could be depleted in just over two years without action. The council also reversed rigid trash container requirements to recover lost refuse customers.
City Council
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City Council approves $450,000 bond to demolish condemned building
The Watertown City Council voted 4-1 on June 1st to issue bonds for demolishing a commercial property that has been condemned since 2020 and recently suffered a roof collapse. Councilmember Benjamin Shoen opposed the measure, arguing the city should exhaust existing budget funds before bonding for the $450,000 project.
City Council approves 8.14% tax levy increase for 2026-27
The Watertown City Council unanimously adopted the fiscal year 2026-27 operating budget, which includes cuts to fire and codes department positions, a freeze on management wage increases, and a property tax rate increase of 8.38%. The council also kept refuse sticker prices at $5 after blocking a planned increase.
City Council overrides tax cap to cover budget shortfall
Watertown unanimously approved a local law allowing the city to exceed New York's two-percent tax levy cap, with the city manager warning that the fund balance could be depleted in just over two years without action. The council also reversed rigid trash container requirements to recover lost refuse customers.