Finance Committee Meeting | June 22, 2026

The City of Watertown Finance Committee met on June 22, 2026, to discuss several procurement and budget-related items. Key procurement discussions included approval to apply for a $10,000 DNR grant to partially fund the purchase of a UTV, trailer, and utility truck intended for emergency response in wild urban interface areas. The committee also reviewed and discussed the initial draft of the FY 2027 Capital Improvement Plan, highlighting significant infrastructure projects such as street repairs and reconstruction with an estimated total of approximately $10.8 million in fund five. The mayor and committee members emphasized prioritizing immediate needs and stretching available funds. Additionally, the committee approved submitting new and existing city staff positions for grade classification and reevaluation, clarifying that this did not constitute budget approval for the positions themselves. Payroll and compensation assumptions for the 2027 budget were reviewed, including projected wage increases and health insurance cost estimates, with discussions on potential cost-saving measures such as introducing a high deductible health plan and exploring self-insured dental plans. No final budget approvals were made, as the committee noted these discussions were preparatory for the upcoming budget process.