State of the City 2026 | Mayor Stocks

The City of Watertown held its State of the City 2026 address on July 16, 2026, where Mayor Stocks outlined key priorities including workforce development, public safety, infrastructure, and housing. Significant procurement-related topics included ongoing and planned capital improvement projects such as the 2028 Main Street reconstruction, road and bridge maintenance, flood control plan implementation, and runway reconstruction at Watertown Regional Airport. The city is investing in new public safety vehicles including police squad cars, a new ambulance, and a tanker truck funded partly by rural townships. The mayor also discussed housing developments underway, including mixed-use projects and affordable housing initiatives. Budget discussions revealed a $21.7 million budget with about half funded by taxpayers, and planning for the next fiscal year is underway with public hearings anticipated. Questions from residents addressed support for local businesses during construction, ADA accessibility improvements, and funding sources for river walk expansions, which are expected to rely on donations rather than tax dollars. The meeting emphasized the city’s commitment to responsible spending, community engagement, and strategic investments to support economic growth and quality of life.