The Watertown City Council on June 24 approved a package of transfers reallocating year‑end funds to capital needs, including a $2 million transfer to the middle school stabilization account, a $160,000 transfer to accelerate installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in parks, and other targeted transfers.

City Manager and finance staff told the council the transfers take available funds from planned debt or the unauthorized/unissued debt account and apply them to capital projects so that the city can complete work without additional borrowing. The $2 million was placed into the middle school stabilization account to give the city flexibility while the city and school officials continue to evaluate revised cost estimates and project options; staff said the middle school project budget has widened beyond earlier estimates and further decisions and tradeoffs remain.

Other approved transfers included $125,000 for fire alarm upgrades at the Department of Public Works, $104,000 to close a funding gap on the Parker Annex renovation so the project’s budget aligns with the prior borrowing plan, and a $265,500 transfer to buy down future debt tied to recent favorable underwriter bids (including $200,000 toward a fire department ambulance and $65,500 to cover a DPW water heater so those items do not require borrowing). Council also approved using $160,000 from planned debt to fund AEDs across recreational facilities now rather than over a planned five‑year schedule; staff said the units require weatherized enclosures and wiring to track use.

Finance staff said the transfers are part of an effort to reduce future borrowing by using available year‑end funds where appropriate. Council members discussed the middle school stabilization allocation: one councilor asked to revisit alternative project options if bids remain higher than expected; staff responded the funds can be shifted later if the council chooses not to proceed with a major middle school project.

All transfers were approved by roll call votes; the AED program drew particular support from councilors and disability advocates who said improved access to AEDs in parks is an important public-safety enhancement.