City Council — June 23, 2026
Watertown Council approves manager raise and 4.5% utility rate hike while warning of steeper increases ahead
Votes were unanimous, public comment was limited to one speaker whose questions received direct responses, and no dissent or sustained disagreement occurred.
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At the June 23 Watertown City Council meeting, members approved a four-year contract extension for City Manager George Proakis along with salary increases that bring his pay to $267,173. The changes include vacation and sick leave aligned with union contracts plus $15,000 in deferred compensation. A single public comment raised questions about evaluation criteria and consistency with non-union staff; the salary ordinance passed 9-0.
Council also took the first reading on FY27 water and sewer rates proposing a 4.5% increase. Staff explained that declining usage and fixed costs will likely require larger rate adjustments in future years. Further discussion on capital cost drivers was scheduled for the July meeting.
Other actions included $246,000 for three electric police vehicles, $445,000 for a DPW solar array, and $373,000 to address overruns at the Parker Building renovation after unexpected hazmat and insulation work. All transfers passed unanimously.
Public impact
4.5% rate increase with larger increases projected for FY28-FY31
First reading completed; scheduled for public hearing.
Public hearing and further discussion on capital costs at July meeting
Four-year extension with 2.5% COLA plus 2% merit; salary rising from $255,668 to $267,173
Extension approved by voice vote, salary ordinance approved 9-0.
Annual evaluations continue per charter
Topics discussed
Council adopted the minutes of the June 9 meeting as written.
Minutes approved by unanimous voice vote.
Council held a public hearing and approved a four-year contract extension for City Manager George Proakis plus salary increases of 2.5% COLA and 2% merit adjustment effective August 15, 2026.
Contract extension approved by voice vote; salary ordinance ($255,668 then $267,173) approved by 9-0 roll call.
Annual evaluations continue per charter; next salary review after FY28 union contracts expire.
Council approved reauthorization of expenditure limits for 53.5 revolving funds.
Resolution approved by unanimous voice vote.
Council authorized $5.4M retiree health insurance expenditures from OPEB trust and $12,400 transfer for independent actuarial review.
Both resolutions approved by unanimous roll call votes.
Council approved $246,000 transfer to purchase three electric vehicles for the traffic division.
Transfer approved by unanimous roll call.
Council approved $445k transfer for DPW photovoltaic installation and $70k transfer for a second senior shuttle bus.
Both transfers approved by unanimous roll call votes.
Confirmation on whether senior bus is electric to be provided in writing.
Council approved $373k transfer to cover overruns for hazmat abatement, insulation, and unforeseen conditions.
Transfer approved by unanimous roll call.
City manager to consult attorney on potential errors-and-omissions recovery.
Council conducted first reading on $750k loan order and approved $500k salary transfer to reduce borrowing for replacement engine.
Loan order advanced to public hearing; salary transfer approved by unanimous roll call.
Public hearing on loan order at next meeting; possible executive session on industry price-fixing litigation.
Council received first reading on FY27 water/sewer rates proposing 4.5% increase.
First reading completed; item scheduled for public hearing.
Public hearing and further council discussion on capital costs at July meeting; further councilor-council committee discussion on capital costs to prevent larger future increases.
Council approved conflict-of-interest exemptions under M.G.L. Ch. 268A §20B for city employees holding multiple municipal positions, specifically a recreation employee also working in public works.
Approved by unanimous voice vote.
Council accepted $31,967.38 in food pantry donations from multiple donors and foundations.
Approved by unanimous voice vote.
First reading of a proposed noise ordinance after multiple Rules and Ordinance Committee meetings.
First reading completed; scheduled for public hearing and vote.
Public hearing and vote at next meeting.
Presentation of the March 23 Climate and Energy Committee report reviewing progress on Watertown's Energy and Climate Plan goals.
Report accepted.
Sustainability team to incorporate revisions; five-year plan review in 2027.
Public Works Committee recommendations to appoint Christopher Conner to the Stormwater Advisory Committee and reappoint Russell Rico to the Solid Waste and Recycling Committee.
Both appointments approved by unanimous votes.
Human Services Committee report on the MAPC Affordable Housing Incentives study and motion directing further analysis of recommendations.
Report accepted; council approved 3-0 motion directing administration to analyze study and develop implementation options.
Administration to analyze study and develop policy options for council consideration.
City Manager presented reappointments to the Affordable Housing Trust and new appointments to the Conservation Commission for committee review.
Housing Trust reappointments referred to Human Services Committee; Conservation Commission appointments referred to Parks & Rec Committee.
Committee review and future confirmation votes.
Controversy & dissent
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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