Watertown Council Maps Out Decade of Spending; Streets and Inflation Top Concerns
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 21
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council unanimously approved the city's Long-Term Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2027-2036 on Wednesday night, laying out a financial roadmap for the next decade of infrastructure, equipment, and community projects.
While the plan covers everything from zoo exhibits to fire trucks, the discussion at City Hall highlighted a growing financial challenge: keeping up with the rising cost of maintaining the city's streets.
The approved plan outlines projected capital expenditures and revenue sources for ten years. City Manager Alan Stager emphasized that the document is a planning tool rather than a finalized budget…
Councilman Allen requested clarification on how the plan is developed. Stager explained that the process begins early in the budget cycle…
The plan also addresses quality-of-life improvements, specifically in the city’s park system. Councilman Heuer expressed enthusiasm for upcoming projects targeting older neighborhoods...
During the meeting, Councilman Mohrmann asked which budget areas might require more funding over the next decade than in the last. Stager identified street maintenance as the primary financial pressure point…
According to the plan documents, the city has budgeted $4.02 million for street system improvements in 2026, with projections ranging from $3.7 million to $4 million annually through 2036.
The CIP includes specific allocations for playground replacements at several locations, including Mallard Cove in 2026 ($160,000), followed by future updates at Morningside, Nelson, Harper, and Northridge parks in subsequent years.
Beyond streets and parks, the plan accounts for significant equipment and facility investments over the next decade, including:
· Public Safety: The replacement of a fire engine in 2029 at an estimated cost of $998,000, with another engine scheduled for replacement in 2036.
· Brambel Park Zoo: Future investments include a Kangaroo Exhibit ($100,000 in 2027) and a Ringtail Lemur Holding Area ($300,000 in 2031).
· Airport: Extensive federally funded projects are planned, including a $2.8 million reconstruction of Taxiway A in 2026.
The motion to approve the plan passed unanimously.