Common Council Meeting | June 16, 2026 Part 2

The City of Watertown Common Council held a meeting on June 16, 2026, focusing primarily on the city's economic development efforts and its membership in the Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium (JCEDC). Council members debated the value and effectiveness of the city's participation in the consortium, with some expressing concerns about the lack of tangible benefits and communication issues, while others emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and the potential for future growth projects. A motion was passed to provide a six-month notice of intent to withdraw from the current JCEDC agreement, allowing time to evaluate organizational changes and cost structures before deciding on future participation. The council also discussed the fiscal implications, noting the city's current financial commitment of approximately $21,942 annually to the consortium, and expressed a desire for improved performance and transparency from JCEDC. The meeting concluded with a vote to enter closed session to discuss legal strategy related to a claim involving J. Wellman.