City Council — June 23, 2026
The meeting was professional but featured spirited inquiries regarding executive compensation transparency and the long-term financial implications of utility rate hikes.
At the June 23 Watertown City Council meeting, several decisions were made that will have a direct impact on your wallet and your access to municipal information.
First, the Council approved a contract extension and salary increase for City Manager Proakis. Under the new agreement, his salary is set to rise to $267,173 by mid-2027. This decision sparked concerns regarding transparency when a resident requested to see the specific performance evaluation criteria used to justify the pay increase for non-union employees. The Council President has stated they will consult with the City Attorney to determine what documentation can be released to the public.
Second, residents should prepare for long-term volatility in utility costs. While the City is moving forward with a first reading of a 4.5% water and sewer rate increase for FY27, the City Manager issued a stark warning: because conservation efforts are working, declining water usage is creating revenue gaps. This may necessitate "substantial" rate increases between FY28 and FY31 to cover infrastructure costs and prevent deep deficits.
A public hearing regarding the FY27 water and sewer rate increase is scheduled for the next meeting. We encourage all residents to attend and voice their concerns regarding these long-term fiscal projections.
Public impact
Salary increases to $255,668 and $267,173 over the next few years.
The Council approved the contract extension and the salary amendment via roll call.
The President will confer with the City Attorney regarding the release of performance evaluation documents.
4.5% increase for FY27, with potential for much larger increases in FY28-FY31.
The first reading was completed.
A public hearing on the FY27 increase is scheduled for the next meeting.
$12,400 transfer for an independent actuarial audit.
The fund transfer for the audit was approved via roll call.
Topics discussed
Discussion and vote regarding a four-year contract extension for City Manager Proakis and a proposed salary increase.
The Council approved the contract extension and the ordinance amending the City Manager's salary.
The President will confer with the City Attorney regarding the release of performance evaluation documents to the public.
Authorization of expenditure limits for 53.5 revolving funds for fiscal year 2027.
The resolution was approved.
Authorization of FY27 retiree health insurance expenditures from the OPEB trust fund.
The resolution was approved via roll call vote.
Transfer of funds to perform an independent review of the city's pension and OPEB actuarial valuations.
The fund transfer was approved via roll call.
Transfer of funds to purchase three electric vehicles for the police department.
The transfer was approved via roll call.
Transfer of funds to cover costs for the photovoltaic array installation on the DPW roof.
The transfer was approved via roll call.
Transfer of funds to expedite the purchase of a second shuttle bus for seniors.
The transfer was approved via roll call.
The City Manager/Staff to provide written confirmation to the Council regarding whether the bus is an electric vehicle (EV).
Transfer of funds to cover cost overruns and unforeseen conditions in the Parker Building renovation.
The transfer was approved via roll call.
The City Manager and City Attorney will consult to determine if there is any possibility of cost recovery from architects or contractors.
First reading of a loan order for a fire engine and a concurrent fund transfer to reduce borrowing.
The transfer of $500,000 was approved. The loan order for the engine was read for the first time.
A public hearing for the fire engine loan order will be held at the next meeting.
First reading of a proposed order to establish water and sewer rates for FY27, including long-term fiscal challenges due to decreasing usage.
First reading completed. The matter was presented as a first reading; a public hearing on the FY27 increase is scheduled for the next meeting.
A public hearing will be held at the July meeting. A public hearing on the 4.5% increase for FY27 and further council-committee discussion regarding capital costs.
Request for approval to allow existing city employees to hold multiple municipal positions under General Law.
The motion to approve the exemptions was passed unanimously.
Approval of the acceptance and expenditure of gifts totaling over $31,000 for the food pantry.
The motion to accept and expend the funds was passed.
First reading of a new noise ordinance following committee review.
This was a first reading only.
The ordinance will be placed on the next agenda for a public hearing and vote.
Review of progress toward sustainability goals and identification of data inaccuracies.
The report was accepted after a minor correction to the spelling of sustainability planner Maya Kania's name.
The five-year comprehensive review of the plan is anticipated for 2027; staff will work to refine data baselines and methodologies.
Report on interviews for the Stormwater Committee and Solid Waste Recycling Committee.
The council approved both the appointment of Christopher Conner and the reappointment of Russell Rico.
Presentation of the Watertown Affordable Housing Incentives study by MAPC.
The council voted to direct the administration to further analyze the study and develop implementation options.
The administration is to analyze the study and develop specific programs/policies based on its recommendations.
Confirmation of various municipal board members.
The reappointments to the Affordable Housing Trust and appointments to the Conservation Commission were referred to committees (Human Services and Parks & Rec respectively) for further consideration.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
City Manager Contract and Salary Increase
Water and Sewer Rate Increases
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast · analyzed 2026-06-24.