Keene · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keene public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Residential tax relief application at 128-130 School Street
A public hearing was held on an RPRZ application for 128-130 School Street. The designation could shape how the property is renovated or revitalized.
Wells Garage public parking and parking fund sustainability
The garage went permit-only a few years back and now sits half empty since overnight street parking rules loosened. Reopening 40-50 covered spaces at $2/hour could bring in up to $127,000 a year and offset revenue lost to downtown free parking.
FY25 clean audit and city finances
Independent auditors gave Keene a clean bill of financial health for FY25, with a healthy unassigned fund balance and a roughly $35 million pension liability being funded over time.
Food service establishments ordinance amendment
Keene is the last self-inspecting New Hampshire municipality still on the 2009 FDA Food Code. The update adds a certified food protection manager requirement, with a year-long grace period and modest training costs.
City Clerk's Office Renovations During City Hall Repairs
With City Hall's rear wall repairs forcing the Clerk's Office to relocate for three to four months, staff want to use the downtime to fix long-standing problems: a cramped lobby, no privacy at the counter, ADA gaps, and staff safety concerns — funded by $22,000 in leftover personnel money.
Property tax exemptions and credits review
Resolution R-2026-07 concerns the property tax credit for veterans with total service-connected disabilities.
FY26 Fire Department Budget Update
The Fire Chief updated the council on the fiscal year 2026 fire department budget.
Wage Schedule Revision
Ordinance O-2026-12 would revise the city's wage schedule, affecting pay for city employees.
Outside Agencies funding policy
Thirteen agencies asked for funding; representatives from Meals on Wheels, Southwestern Community Services, MFS, Arts Alive and others made their pitches. MFS notably pushed back on being slated for $9,800 versus a $25,000 request, citing $2 million in unpaid services to Keene.
FY2026-2027 City Budget Adoption
The committee fine-tuned and forwarded the $79.7 million budget: firefighters added in, $62,055 trimmed from overstated solid waste wages, and a $450 newspaper subscription for councilors cut at Councilor Lake's urging. Full council votes next.
FY2026-2027 Bond-Funded Capital Projects
Ten bond resolutions were adopted funding next year's capital slate: road reconstruction, downtown infrastructure, sewers, water mains, stormwater, Robin Hood Park, and a solar pavilion.
Proposed Capital Improvement Program 2027-2033
Roughly $13.7 million in projects moved forward — downtown reconstruction, stormwater resiliency, Robin Hood Park, road preservation, sewers, water lines, a solar pavilion, and the Ashuelot Green Space. The dam project was shelved while the city hunts for grants.
Public Works strategic plan and benchmarking
Vacancies dropped from 17 to 4 thanks to in-house CDL training, but mid-career employees still leave for other towns. Leadership is working with HR on retention.
Overall CIP funding picture and downtown project impact
Eleven bond resolutions plus a downtown funding resolution were referred to the Finance Committee ahead of the June 4 budget hearing.
FY 2026-2027 bond issues and downtown funding
Eleven bond resolutions plus a downtown funding resolution were referred to the Finance Committee ahead of the June 4 budget hearing.
New OpenGov permitting software
The city switched to OpenGov for all permits and land use applications — expect some growing pains, but residents will eventually be able to look up property records online.
Personnel Ordinance Update
A proposed ordinance update relating to personnel policies.
Downtown Public Restroom Project Cost Concern
A $500K self-cleaning downtown restroom is slated for fiscal 2028, but resident Ken Kost pushed for the cheaper, tougher "Portland Loo." The Public Works Director's comparison showed the Portland Loo needs cleaning up to five times a day — staffing the city lacks — and may cost more over 20 years. No final decision is due until next year's budget cycle.
Contractor and Consultant Selection Process
Prompted by Councilor Favolise after the downtown project news, staff explained when work goes in-house versus to consultants, and how RFP/RFQ scoring works — with a push to share scoring memos more widely with councilors.
Guild Mortgage office furniture donation
Up to $100,000 in free cubicles, desks and chairs will upgrade city offices, including the noisy revenue collection office and aging finance department space.
IT infrastructure and phone system replacements
The city plans to replace aging network gear, servers, storage, and eventually the phone system — including a FY 29 decision on whether to move phones to internet-based service. Councilors raised data-security questions about cloud vendors.
City facilities maintenance and security upgrades
Facilities projects include the vacant 10 Central Square kitchen floor repair, cybersecurity/camera upgrades, emergency generator replacements, a new energy audit program, City Hall electrical work, record storage HVAC, library lighting (with $50,000 donated by library friends/trustees), roofs, parking lots, and West Keene Fire Station schematic design on the new Maple Avenue site.
Cedarcrest Payment In Lieu of Taxes Agreement
The Council was slated to consider a PILOT agreement with Cedarcrest, affecting how much the nonprofit property contributes toward city services.
Casino host-community revenue use
The first Revo Casino donation is going to police dispatch equipment. Councilor Favolise suggested future casino funds might also flow to sidewalks and street repairs near the casino.
WWTP, Robin Hood Park and Recycling Funding
Three resolutions would move city money: reallocating unspent bond funds for the wastewater treatment plant water system, engineering funds for Robin Hood Park improvements, and funds for recycling equipment replacement.
CDBG Grant Applications — 657 Marlboro Street and Community Kitchen
Two Community Development Block Grant applications were up for public hearing: one for 657 Marlboro Street and one for the Community Kitchen. CDBG funds support community development and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
Council Rules of Order for 2026–2027
Resolution R-2026-01 sets how council meetings run for the next two years — meeting dates, special meetings, quorum rules, and remote participation. It shapes how accessible and predictable city government is for residents.