Keene · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keene public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.