Watertown council OKs $110 million middle school
Watertown's City Council voted 8-0 to authorize a $110 million middle school project to go to bid.
Select Board · Meeting of October 6, 2026
Watertown's City Council voted 8-0 to authorize a $110 million middle school project to go to bid. City Manager George presented a five-year financial plan showing the project is affordable without a tax override, though debt service would climb to about 21 percent of the budget, over the council's informal 20 percent ceiling. The plan pauses $1.125 million in annual affordable-housing fund contributions and modestly slows projected salary growth to close projected deficits of $880,000, $1.9 million and $330,000 in fiscal 2030 through 2032.
Middle School Principal Jeff Gagnon said "our middle schoolers deserve a building that tells them every day that they matter," while nearly 20 residents and students urged the council not to delay. Bidding is targeted for early 2027, with a September 2029 opening.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,769 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of October 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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