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The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Assessment
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If your property is located in the City of Watertown your application must be received by December 1st for the exemptions to be applied to the following July City Tax, Oct School Tax and January County Tax (one year and one month from deadline). If you are outside the City of Watertown and in Jefferson County all exemptions need to be filed by March 1st in the assessor's office of the Township in which the property is located. If you do not know which Town the property is in you may call the Jefferson County Real Property Office at (315)785-3074
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CAUTION:
In order to receive a single bill the parcels must be combined into one. This is accomplished by the filing of a deed with either a single description of the parcel as a whole or some indication that the intent of the deed is to combine the separate parcels into one. CAUTION: once this is done there is only a single parcel and it would not be legal to transfer ownership of one part of the parcel without subdivision approval. Any existing or new mortgages would also have to be on the entire parcel.
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As a courtesy to the new owner of the property, the City Assessor would ask that you either forward the bill to them or return it to the return address on the bill. Only one bill is sent per property so if you received a bill, then the rightful owner did not.
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The company handling your escrow account will notify us of the change. If there is a bill due soon after the change and you have not received the bill contact either the Comptroller’s office or the School District tax collector for a duplicate. It is always the responsibility of the taxpayer to pay any outstanding bill due regardless of the fact that it may have been sent to the wrong place.
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A signed request in writing sent to the assessment department is required. The reason for the signed request is in order to avoid attempts at fraud or harassment. The assessment department prepares the County, City and School tax bills so only one notice is required.
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In the City of Watertown the City Tax bills are issued July 5th with payment due by August 5th, Watertown City School District taxes are issued October 1st with payment due November 1st, Jefferson County taxes are issued Jan 15th and due February 15. Outside of the City of Watertown these dates are different and you should contact the Jefferson County Real Property Office at 785-3074 for the proper dates
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NYS Office of Real Property Services
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City Clerk
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Claims against the City are filed with the City Clerk’s Office and must include the date, time and place of the incident. Copies of bills or estimates should also be included.
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Transient retail licenses are issued through the City Clerk’s Office. The fee is $300 for the first three day and $100 for each additional day. Application must be made to the office prior to any sale.
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The fee for each search is $22.00. Request the form for all state rules and regulations pertaining to searches prior to beginning the process.
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The City Clerk’s Office issued permits to city residents only. A completed state form (which can be picked up in the office) must be filled out by the physician and turned in to the City Clerk’s Office. It can be brought in or mailed in.
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Dog licenses are issued in the City Clerk’s Office for dogs harbored in the City of Watertown. Paperwork showing a current rabies vaccination and proof of spay or neutering must be presented at the time of issuing the license. Licenses are renewable each year.
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Death certificates can only be released to the informant, the spouse or children, with proper i.d. and proof of relationship. The fee is $10.00. The same ordering rules apply as in the case of birth certificates.
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Birth certificates can only be released to the individual or the their parents. Proper photo i.d. has to be shown and the fee is $10.00. If requesting through the mail, payment must be in the form of a money order. Orders can be taken by fax 315-785-7796 Call the office for the rules pertaining to this form of ordering at (315)785-7780
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The fee for the marriage ceremony is $40.00 cash. There is a 24 hour waiting period from the time you purchase the license until you can use it to be married. If you wish to make an appointment to be married, please let the staff know when you purchase your license. If you are married by one of our Marriage Officers, you will receive your certified documents immediately following the ceremony. If you are married elsewhere, there will be a longer period of time before you receive your legal documents.
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You both have to come into the office together. The fee for the license is $40.00 cash. You will need to bring in a photo i.d. and if divorced, you will need to bring in your certified divorce decree.
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You will need to supply a photo i.d. and the date of your marriage. The fee is $10.00. If requesting through the mail, payment must be in the form of a money order. Orders can be taken by fax. Call the office for the rules pertaining to this form of ordering.
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City Hall is located at 245 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601. Hours of operation: 9 AM - 5 PM September-May 8 AM - 4 PM June-August
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Each copy of any certificate is $10.
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Yes. The Clerk’s Office accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. There is a $6 fee associated with each transaction.
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Marriage licenses are $40 and wedding ceremonies are $50 each.
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Civil Service
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New York State Civil Service Law states that an eligible list must remain in existence for one year from the date of establishment or if there are less than 3 candidates on the list or until there are no candidates left who are willing to accept appointment, whichever occurs first. The Civil Service Commission may extend "the life" of the list beyond one year to a maximum of four years. A new examination in the title may be requested and held at any time during the life of an existing eligible list. A candidate on the existing list needs to keep informed of the examination schedule and to apply for and participate in the new examination.
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The probationary period is a time when new employees must prove themselves capable of doing the job for which they were hired. The probationary term for all non-uniformed employees is not less than eight (8) weeks, nor more than twenty-six (26) weeks. There are some positions, such as Trainees, Police Officers and Firefighters for which the probationary period is not less than twelve weeks nor more than fifty-two (52) weeks.
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5 points are added to the written score of a candidate who meets the following definition of veteran: A United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence who served in the armed forces (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or the National Guard) of the United States during a designated time of war (dates are listed on the last page of the application) and was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances. Also, for additional examination credit, a candidate must be a New York State resident at the time of application. 10 points are added to the written score of a candidate who meets the above definition of veteran and who is certified by the United States Veterans' Affairs as having a disability rated at 10% or more which was incurred while serving in the United Sates armed forces during time of war. The disability must be in effect and the disabled veteran must be receiving payment for such disability at the time of application.
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As the NYS Dept of Civil Service schedules examinations on a statewide basis, it is very rare for an exam to be cancelled for any reason. In case of weather or other emergency, the City of Watertown Civil Service Commission will place a cancellation announcement on WWNY-TV 7, WWTI-TV Newswatch 50, WATN-AM 1240, WFRY-FM 97. In the event a cancellation does occur, the exam will be rescheduled and another admission letter with the time, date and location will be sent to you.
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It is YOUR responsibility to notify this office in writing of any change of address. Please do not assume that your mail would be forwarded in sufficient time to respond to a canvass letter for a position.
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The site and scheduled time for your particular examination will be printed on your admission notice. You will also be given a list of what you should bring (ID, pencils, calculator etc) as supplies are not provided.
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The New York State Department of Civil Service provides test guides for certain examinations at http://www.cs.state.ny.us/testing/localtestguides.cfm If you do not find a guide for your exam, there is none particular available.
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Announcements for the City of Watertown civil service examinations are available on the web site. Printed copies are also posted in all municipal buildings. The City of Watertown job application is available at City Hall, 245 Washington St, Watertown NY 13601 on the 2nd floor at the assessment counter or may be downloaded from our web site.
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There is a $15 non-refundable examination fee due when the application is submitted. The non-refundable examination fee for Police Officers and Firefighters is $25. Checks or money orders should be made payable to: CITY COMPTROLLER
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Yes. This is called cross-filing. All examinations for which you have been approved must be taken on the same day in the same testing center. Be sure to indicate on your application that you are filing for more than one examination If you are applying for both a State and local government examination, you must make arrangements to take all your examinations at the State site by calling (877)697-5627 (press 2, then press 1) no later than two weeks before the test date.
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No, you do not need to be a resident of the City of Watertown, however, it is possible that preference may be given to a city resident. Also, unless otherwise stated on the examination announcement or job specification, you do not have to be a citizen. You must be legally able to work in the United States.
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Selection Process: The selection process is job-related and competitive in nature and is designed to determine the candidate's potential for successful performance as a police officer. The complete selection process consists of: Written examination
Physical agility test
Background investigation
Interview board
Medical examination
Psychological evaluation All candidates MUST: have a high school diploma or equivalency diploma be at least twenty (20) years old and not have reached their thirty-fifth (35th) birthday. (There is an extension for military service. Call civil service (315-785-7733) for information) possess a valid NYS driver's license be able to work shifts (overnight, holiday & weekend) comply with WPD policy which requires all members to present a neat and professional appearance at all times. No beards, tattoos, brands, body piercing or other body art shall be visible while a member is in uniform or other business attire. The uniform includes a short sleeve shirt with open neck (top button) in front.
Other considerations: Candidates with a history of perpetuating violence (to include elder abuse, child assault, sexual attack, stalking or domestic violence) or who have been named as a respondent in an order of protection will be screened out at this point in the hiring process A felony conviction automatically disqualifies a candidate Candidates who do not meet and pass the above listed criteria will not be considered for employment with the Watertown NY Police Department You will need to pass a Civil Service exam. Civil Service can be reached at (315)785-7733.
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Contact Civil Service at(315)785-7733 for full employment details.
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The NYS Dept of Civil Service provides a link: http://www.cs.state.ny.us/jobseeker/local/map.cfm
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Code Enforcement
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The City’s Code Enforcement Bureau also handles this. Call 315-785-7735 during regular business hours or you can call our Complaint Line and leave a voice message at (315)785-7846.
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Call the Code Enforcement office during business hours at (315)785-7735 or leave a message on the Hotline any time at (315)785-7846.
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A Maintenance or Repair Permit is required for a new roof. A Maintenance or Repair Permit is only required for new siding if the old siding is being stripped off.
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No, but you should be aware that Chapter 158 states “no more than two garage sales may be conducted in any one residence and/or family household during any calendar year.”
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Applicant will come to the Code Enforcement office with a description of the project and a materials list, if necessary.
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Applicant will come to the Code Enforcement office to complete the application form, indicating the location of the proposed fence. There is no fee for a fence permit.
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Applicant will come to the Code Enforcement office with plans for the building project and meet with an Inspector to review the scope of the project.
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You need a "curb cut" permit from the Engineering Department.
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Comptroller's Office
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Parking tickets received in the City of Watertown can be paid in the Comptroller’s Office located on the second floor of City Hall. For questions, please call 315-785-7754 Speeding and other moving violations are paid in City Court located on the 1st floor of City Hall, 245 Washington St, Watertown NY 13601. For questions, please call (315)785-7789.
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Electric
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The City maintains 38 traffic control signal or flashing light systems. All of our traffic signal systems have built in redundancies and fail safe protection to ensure that problems are rare. However in the event of power surges and outages we can experience a very serious condition in which the traffic light goes out completely. While we do have service technicians continuously on call it is recommended that you contact Jefferson County Dispatch who will in turn pass the appropriate information on to our technicians. If your concern is not about an emergency situation but more about the systems functionality or timing then you should contact us at (315)785-7847 or (315)785-7770 and we will discuss and attempt to resolve any questions or concerns that you might have.
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Engineering
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Contact the Engineering Department at (315)785-7740
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Contact the Engineering Department at (315)785-7740.
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You need a "curb cut" permit from the Engineering Department.
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Fire Dept
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Contact Civil Service at 315-785-7733 for full employment details
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Parks & Recreation
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No reservation is required but it is strongly recommended in order to be sure you get the area of your preference. Reservations for all areas of the Park are done through the Administration Office at no cost. Reservations ensure your preferred area, tables, and that other reservations do not interfere with your intentions. You must complete an alcohol permit form in order to have alcohol on City Property. Park rules, regulations, and contacts for the pool use and the Zoo are all part of the reservation package.
The Administration Office handles all Park reservations.
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The City’s youth baseball program is broken down into three age groups: T-Baseball is for youth going on 6, 7 or 8 years of age and runs from the end of June to the end of July.
There is a morning league and night league. Registration forms are sent home through the City School system and available on-line or by contacting the Administration Office at 315-785-7775. Midget Baseball is for youth going on 8, 9 or 10 years of age and runs from early June through July. Practices start in May with Games played on Monday, Wednesday or Friday nights. Players are urged to Contact the Coach of their choice for placement on teams. Contact the Administration Office for listing of current coaches and available teams. Grasshopper Baseball is for youth going on 10, 11 or 12 years of age and runs from early June through July. Practices start in May with games played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Players are urged to contact the coach of their choice for placement on a team. Contact the Administration office for listing of current coaches and available teams.
For additional leagues and baseball information please contact the Administration Office at (315)785-7775
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The Public Skating season runs from October to the end of March and is offered daily. Sessions are from: 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday 7:15 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday evening 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday Fees: Admission is $2
skate rentals are $2 Rock’n Skate is held on Saturday evenings from 8:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Admission is $3. Please Note: Occasionally public skating will be canceled or altered for special events such as hockey tournaments
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Planning
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The zoning map can be found on the City's website (see links on the home page for GIS system). You can also call the planning office at (315) 785-7730
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Please call the Planning Department at (315) 785-7730
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You need to bring: - Proof of Insurance naming City as insured.
- Property Owner Form.
- Permit Fee of Release.
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Police
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You may call dispatch at 315-782-2233, or 315-786-2601, and ask to speak to the on-duty supervisor. Or, you may come to the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building at 751 Waterman Drive during business hours. If you are uncomfortable with coming to the building, the supervisor may arrange to meet you at another location. You will be asked to sign the formal complaint form.
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You can retrieve lost property and evidence items at the records window, during the above listed hours. The records clerks cannot retrieve the items for you, the Evidence and Property Officers must do it. Please do not stop in un-announced , as the officers may have been called out to a scene, or they may be tied up on a case, and unable to help you. PLEASE call ahead of time at: (315)786-2619.
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No. The police department no longer does photo I.D. cards for civilians. The Jefferson County Motor Vehicle Department issues non-driver's license IDs and is located in the Jefferson County Office Building on 175 Arsenal Street in Watertown
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Fingerprint Cards can be done at the Identification and Evidence Unit, for $2.00 per card. Employers or Agencies requesting the checks are supposed to supply the blank cards. You should call ahead of time to make an appointment, at: (315)786-2619.
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Records/Background checks can be obtained at the Police Department's Records Window. You must bring a photo I.D. Records checks are $10.00. Keep in mind the check is for the City of Watertown only!
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The city has a bike auction once a year as required. It will be announced in the local newspaper and on the website
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Bicycle licenses can be obtained at the Police Department's Records Window. Bike Licenses are only 25 cents each. If the bike is lost or stolen, the license and/or the recorded frame number helps us return it to the owner.
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Copies of reports can be obtained at the Records Department for 25 cents a page. You must request reports in person. They cannot be mailed or faxed. NOTE: If the person requesting the report is a suspect or person of interest in a criminal investigation, they cannot obtain a copy. We also cannot release report copies of on-going criminal investigations or report copies containing evidentiary information. The Records Department phone numbers are: (315)786-2637, and (315)786-2640. They are located on the second floor of the Public Safety Building. The window is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM. The window is closed for all legal holidays
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All-night seasonal parking restrictions state no person shall park any vehicle upon any street or road in the City of Watertown between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. between November 1st through April 30th, except physicians on emergency calls. No person shall park any vehicle in a prohibited zone at any time of the year.
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PublicWorks/Refuse & Recycling
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Call the Department of Public Works at (315)785-7842.
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Contact the DPW Administration Office at (315)785-7770.
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Illegal dumping should be reported to the City Police Department. If the problem is trash and debris buildup on private property then you can report this situation by calling the City’s Code Enforcement Bureau at
(315)785-7735 during regular business hours or you can call our Complaint Line and leave a voice message at (315)785-7846.
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The City of Watertown is proud of its urban forest as evidenced in Tree City USA designation. We are continuously planting, pruning and removing damaged trees within out street right of ways, parks and facilities. Should you have a concern with or if you wish to discuss the City tree program please contact the City’s Arborist at (315)785-7734. Private trees are the responsibility of the owner.
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Contact the DPW Administration Office at (315)785-7770.
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National Grid handles all street lighting. Call National Grid at 1-800-867-5222
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Contact DPW at (315)785-7842. The city will send an inspection crew to your property as soon as possible to evaluate the situation and determine whether the problem might be caused by a problem in the City’s main or from external events or situations.
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The property owner is responsible for the care and cleaning of the lateral from the house to the sewer main. If there is a problem or failure of the lateral that requires spot repairs or replacement the city will perform the necessary work on that portion of the lateral that is located within the street right of way. (This is usually from the backside of the sidewalk out into the street). The property owner is responsible for the repairs on his property and all other property not owned by the City.
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Contact DPW at (315)785-7842.
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The City of Watertown NY leases Trash Totes for its residents for weekly pickup: 32 gallon tote is $39 per quarter, $5 initial/refundable deposit, prorated $3/week 64 gallon tote is $58.50 per quarter, $7 initial/refundable deposit, prorated $4.50/week 96 gallon tote is $78 per quarter, $10 initial/refundable deposit, prorated $6/week The Trash Pickup schedule is posted on the website:
Refuse/Recycle Pick Up Schedule Note: This is a PRE-PAID service meaning that you must pay for your next quarter in advance. Contact the DPW Administration Office at (315)785-7770 to sign up for our tote service.
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Contact the Jefferson County Recycling Center at (315)785-9072.
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No, but we do offer a spring and fall drop off at the Fairgrounds Arena on Coffeen Street. Dates for these two events are advertised well in advance. The fall collection is usually scheduled for the weekend before Halloween and the spring collection around the second week of May.
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All containers/trash/recyclables must be out on the curb by 7 am on the morning of your regularly scheduled collection day.
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For qualifying customers requiring assistance we offer a complementary service for which our operators will collect your containers from your front porch/side door so that you do not need to worry about getting the fully loaded containers to the margin. To qualify for this service you will need to have your physician complete and return a medical condition application. This dispensation form can be accessed under Refuse & Recycling on this site, or by contacting the Department of Public Works at (315)785-7842.
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Any durable, weather-proof container, can, pail, basket or bucket capable of holding separated recyclables. NOT TO EXCEED 20 GALLONS. Do not use plastic bags, cardboard boxes or multiple compartment containers. Metals (tin and aluminum): must be rinsed, ends removed and flattened if possible. NO aerosol cans. Plastics: milk, water, cider jugs, bottles number 1, 2, 3 or 5. Rinse, discard flaps, flatten. NO tubs, bags or lids. Glass: clear or colored bottles or jars, rinsed. NO lids bake ware, cookware, light bulbs, ceramics, and window glass Cardboard: corrugated only. Remove tape, staples, labels, stickers, flatten and bundle it with twine. NO wet or food covered cardboard, food, cereal, tissue boxes. Newspapers: leave inserts in paper, place in brown paper bag or a durable container such as bucket or basket, not exceeding 20 gallon capacity. No wet newspaper Do not cover with plastic. Magazines/Mail/Mixed Paper: accepted are forms of catalogs, receipts, and paper. No wet paper will be picked up. Do not cover with plastic.
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The stickers can be purchased at City Hall or the following locations: WATERTOWN BIG M
DOHL/JUST IN CASE
GENERAL STORE
GREAT AMERICAN
HANNAFORD
KINNEY DRUGS COFFEEN ST
KINNEY DRUGS WASHINGTON ST
KINNEY DRUGS STATE ST
KINNEY DRUGS SEAWAY PLAZA
VALENTINE STORES NICE-N-EASY BRADLEY ST
VALENTINE STORES NICE-N- EASY FACTORY ST
VALENTINE STORES NICE-N-EASY LERAY ST
PRICE CHOPPER
NOBLE ACE HARDWARE
SUNOCO WASHINGTON ST-LPQ CORP
WILSON FARMS SUGAR CREEK MILL ST
WILSON FARMS SUGAR CREEK STATE ST
WILSON FARMS SUGAR CREEK COFFEEN ST
BYRNE DAIRY COFFEEN ST
WATERTOWN BIG M
WALGREENS STATE ST
WALGREENS ARSENAL ST
FASTRAC STATE ST
FASTRAC ARSENAL ST
FRANKLIN ST DAIRY
P&C ARSENAL ST
P&C SEAWAY PLAZA
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Yard waste collection is included in your residential tax payment. There are no additional fees or surcharges for this service.
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The City of Watertown encourages all of our residents to reuse, reduce and recycle. Recycle collections services are included at a part of your pre-paid trash collection service. For those residents contracting their waste collection to outside haulers, your contractor is required by Jefferson County to provide recycling options. The City will not collect recyclable from non-customers.
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Yes, all trash collection services must be prepaid. The City offers two distinct types of residential collection services to our customers: An on demand/pay-per-bag system that requires the placement of a prepaid sticker on your garbage bag; or a container system where the resident can choose between a 30, 60 or 90 gallon toter program depending upon their individual needs. The pay-per-bag program requires that a $2.50 City of Watertown refuse sticker attached to a standard trash bag, weighing up to 40 lbs. Prices for the tote system range from $3.00 to $4.50 to $6.00 per week depending upon the size of the container used. This service is prepaid on a quarterly basis. The city will provide the containers which require a modest one time refundable deposit ranging from $5.00 to $10.00 There is no charge for recyclable pick up so long as you are a refuse customer of the City.
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See “Refuse & Recycling” department for detailed street listing
More...
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The City provides weekly residential trash collection. Bi-weekly recycle collection and seasonal, bi-weekly yard waste collection. All three types of collection services are scheduled to fall on the same day of the week unique to your address.
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Please contact the Jefferson County Dog Shelter at (315)782-9179 as they provide this service for the community.
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Trash is picked up weekly and requires a City of Watertown Refuse Sticker or a City Leased Trash Tote. See Refuse/Recycle webpage for specific pick-up time. Recyclables are picked up biweekly, free of charge for all residents who do NOT use a private hauler. The following Holidays delay pick-up by 1 day: - New Year's Day (January 1st)
- Memorial Day (May 28th)
- Independence Day (July 4th)
- Labor Day (September 3rd)
- Thanksgiving (November 22nd)
- Christmas (December 25th)
More...
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Water
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Please call the Water department business office at (315)785-7757 to find out what billing district your property is in.
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Call the Water Department immediately to report any change in water pressure, any discoloration, or any unusual occurrence of water in the street or yard. Weekdays call the business office at (315)785-7757. At night or on weekends call the water plant operator at (315)785-7845.
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Answers to, and further information about these and other similar questions can be obtained by calling the business office at (315)785-7757 weekdays.
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You will receive a water bill as long as the meter is in the house and the service is active. There is a minimum charge based on meter size. The only way to avoid a bill is to have the meter removed and the service temporarily terminated.
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The property owner is ultimately responsible for the water bill. The account must be in the name of the owner. By agreement with the County, DSS tenants’ names may be shown on a bill, but the bill must still be in the owner’s name and it will still be sent to the owner.
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A “unit” is 100 cubic feet, or 748 gallons of water.
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Please contact the Water Dept. at (315)785-7757.
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Residential water bills are issued quarterly (every three months) on the first of the month and commercial and industrial bills are issued monthly on the first of the month. Bills are due on the 20th of the month in which they are issued. Charges for both water service and sewer service are normally included in a single bill. Questions about your bill should be directed to the business office at (315)785-7757 weekdays, as soon as possible after receiving your bill.
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