Watertown, SD town hall & government
Watertown spent $55.3 million in the year to December 31, 2024, about $2,401 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Watertown's government.
Where Watertown's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Utility sales 56%
- Sales taxes 27%
- From the state 9%
- Fees & charges 4%
- Property taxes 2%
- From the federal government 1%
- Interest, fines & other 1%
- Other taxes & licenses <1%
- From other local governments <1%
Who works for Watertown
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2023. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Watertown School District 14-4
Watertown's K–12 school district, shared with Lake, Pelican, Kranzburg, Sheridan, Elmira and Kampeska. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from South Dakota districts overall: 50% local, 31% state, 19% federal
- Local 55%
- State 33%
- Federal 12%
Of the $11,526 per pupil, $7,239 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Which schools Watertown kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Watertown pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Watertown's government
Who represents Watertown
Watertown is represented in Congress by Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds and Representative Dusty Johnson. Larry Rhoden is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.