City Government
City Departments
Finding the Right Department
Most of what residents need from the city runs through a department, not an elected official: paying a bill, pulling a permit, reporting a problem, registering to vote. Each department reports up to the City Manager, who appoints its head.
The directory below covers the departments residents contact most. For the full list, hours, and staff, visit watertown-ma.gov. The main City Hall line is 617-972-6486.
Department Directory
| City Clerk | Records, licenses, vital records, and elections support. City Clerk Noelle Gilligan. 149 Main Street. 617-715-8686. |
|---|---|
| Police | Public safety. Chief Justin Hanrahan. Headquarters, 552 Main Street. Non-emergency 617-972-6500. |
| Fire | Fire suppression, prevention, and emergency management. Chief Ryan Nicholson. 99 Main Street. Business line 617-972-6512. |
| Public Works | Streets, water, sewer, trash, and recycling. Director Thomas Brady. 124 Orchard Street. 617-972-6420. |
| Health | Public health, inspections, and animal control. Director Abbey Myers. 617-972-6446. |
| Recreation | Parks, playgrounds, and youth and adult programs. Director Ernest Thebado. 149 Main Street. 617-972-6494. |
| Watertown Free Public Library | Books, programs, and computers, plus a free card for every resident. Director Kim Long. 123 Main Street. 617-972-6431. |
| Council on Aging | The senior center, with meals, transportation, and outreach. Director Lydia McCoy. 31 Marshall Street. 617-972-6490. |
| Conservation | Wetlands permits and open space. Conservation Agent Katie Swan. 149 Main Street. 617-972-6426. |
Sources
Watertown government website (watertown-ma.gov). Verified July 2026.
City departments carry out state and local law. See how Massachusetts government connects to your city.