KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Members of the City of Keene’s Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee spent part of a special meeting Tuesday examining the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Public Works Department budget, reviewing everything from road maintenance and utility operations to fleet management and long-term infrastructure investments.

Public Works Director Don Lussier told councilors the department has made significant progress in addressing workforce shortages over the past year. Vacancies that once numbered around 17 positions have been reduced to just four, a turnaround he attributed in part to the city’s in-house commercial driver’s license training program. The initiative allows new employees to enter the workforce without a CDL and receive training through the city, helping fill hard-to-recruit positions.

Despite improvements in staffing, officials said several financial and regulatory challenges remain on the horizon. Among the largest concerns is the city’s wastewater treatment facility, which faces uncertainty as its federal discharge permit approaches expiration in November. Lussier noted that anticipated environmental regulations could require substantial upgrades to the plant in the coming years.

The department is also seeking supplemental funding for several infrastructure-related projects. A request for $75,000 would support repairs and replacements of aging streetlights, many of which were installed as LED fixtures nearly a decade ago. Another $30,000 proposal would expand Keene’s street tree program, allowing the city to increase annual plantings from only a handful of trees to roughly 30 each year.

Water and sewer operations were another major topic during the committee’s review. Public Works officials reported that rates have remained unchanged since 2022 while operating expenses have climbed by approximately 15 percent. To address those rising costs, the proposed budget includes a 5 percent increase for most water and sewer customers served by the city’s utility systems, which provide service to about 6,200 connections.

Solid Waste Manager Ryan Cloutier reported that the city’s transfer station continues to operate without support from the general tax base, relying instead on user fees and recycling revenues. The operation currently maintains reserve funds exceeding $2 million. Cloutier also discussed the city’s ongoing environmental monitoring efforts at the former landfill site, including continued testing for PFAS contamination.

Within Fleet Services, staff outlined efforts to keep costs under control by performing repairs internally whenever possible and extending the life of equipment through refurbished parts, used machinery purchases, and other cost-saving maintenance practices.

Committee members emphasized the importance of maintaining investments in public infrastructure, utilities, and essential services as Keene continues through the FY 2027 budget process. The proposed budget will advance for further consideration before final action by the full City Council.