"The People's Pulse" for Week of 12/16/25

During a routine City Council meeting Monday night, Watertown officials addressed an unexpected financial hurdle: a nearly $250,000 budget shortfall attributed directly to rising credit card processing fees.

Mayor Ried Holien explained that the city, much like private businesses, has been hit hard by "convenience charges" that have occasionally spiked into double digits.

"We are essentially a company with the things we do, and we’re being hit the same way every person is," Holien said during a post-meeting interview. "Every time you pay for a swimming pool pass or an ambulance fee with a credit card, everyone else in town is essentially paying that convenience charge."

The city has since corrected the processing issue but required a budget supplement to cover the gap. Holien noted that while the city is being more diligent with processors, a permanent fix likely requires federal intervention in Washington D.C. to cap merchant fees.

Facility Growth and Labor Wins

The council also reviewed utility supplements for the city's new Ice Arena. City Manager Alan Stager reported that utility costs were up approximately $32,000, though Holien clarified this is largely due to the facility's massive popularity.

"It’s making more money than we expected and it's busier than we expected," Holien said, noting that increased ice time bookings require more staffing and maintenance.

On the labor front, the council approved contracts for firefighters and AFSCME employees, including a 3.5% wage increase. Notably, the city was able to maintain current health insurance premiums, ensuring the raise is a "pure increase" for staff. Holien contrasted this with the state's budget, which recently proposed no increases for state employees.

Smoke Shacks and Video Lottery

The meeting took a brief turn toward regulatory frustrations as Councilman Lynn Jerns raised questions regarding a video lottery license transfer. The discussion evolved into the recurring issue of "smoke shacks" and the enforcement of the state’s 2010 smoking ban.

Holien expressed frustration over the lack of state guidance on ventilation requirements, noting that police are often sent to enforce bans in establishments where rules have become lax.

Transitions and Community Spirit

The city bid farewell to longtime Planning and Commission members Blake Dolly and Bonnie Oletsky, who are stepping down after more than a decade of volunteer service.

To close the session, Mayor Holien urged residents to support local businesses during the final stretch of the holiday season, highlighting events like the Optimist Club’s Winter Wonderland at City Park and Santa Land at the Watertown Mall.