Common Council Meeting | The City of Watertown | November 18, 2025

The City of Watertown Common Council held a meeting on November 18, 2025, with significant focus on the 2026 proposed budget, particularly regarding funding allocations and reductions. A key procurement-related discussion involved a motion to reduce the city's general fund contribution to the library by $100,000, reallocating those funds to street capital outlay and reducing debt by the same amount. The motion passed narrowly after debate about the library's fund balance, endowment restrictions, and the impact of cuts on library services. Additional budget motions included attempts to reduce allocations for city hall renovations and street infrastructure, with mixed support and some motions withdrawn or defeated. The council also approved a two-year service agreement with the Watertown Humane Society, reflecting a 3% funding increase for 2026 and a hold for 2027. Other procurement-related topics included conditional approvals of several Class B malt liquor licenses and discussions on stormwater utility rate increases. The meeting concluded with scheduling of upcoming budget sessions and recognition of city employees.