Despite wet weather, the city of Watertown sidewalk program had a smoother summer than in previous years.

Workers poured 17,853 square feet of concrete on portions of nine city streets, compared with the 14,800 square feet completed in 2007.

"We had less turnover and we expect a lot of guys who worked for us to return next year," city Engineer Kurt W. Hauk said.

The department suffered steady turnover during 2007, slowing progress, he said.

The city began the program in 2006 to replace crumbling sidewalks at a reduced price. As long as those property owners were in the special assessment district for that year, the city agreed to pay a portion of the cost, about $34 of the $114 per sidewalk block.

Property owners not in the district must pay the entire cost and complete the work within a time frame set by the city.

Residents have both praised and criticized the program. The city recently took heat from Ten Eyck Street residents who paid to have their sidewalks replaced in 2006, to see contractors and utility companies tear them up last summer during the street reconstruction. Those sidewalks are expected to be replaced free of charge.

Mr. Hauk said workers encountered very few snags this year. Crews will be back along LeRay Street in spring to inspect the retaining walls that were placed in front yards to keep loose soil from draining onto the new concrete.

"We pick the areas based on the amount of traffic in the area," Mr. Hauk said. "And we also pick areas where people want us to work."

Property owners in the 2009 assessment district — which has not yet been approved by the City Council — will see a change in the way the program is billed. Mr. Hauk said the billing cycle will be matched with the fiscal year, making the process easier for the comptroller's office.

As the program stands, crews will install 17,504 square feet of concrete next year.