Keene Residents Invited to Weigh in on Proposed City Budget at Thursday Hearing

KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene residents will have an opportunity Thursday evening to comment on the city’s proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget as the City Council holds a public hearing before taking a final vote later this month.

The hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. on June 4 in the Council Chambers at Keene City Hall and will be held as part of the regular City Council meeting. The session will provide members of the public with a chance to offer testimony on the entire proposed spending plan before councilors consider its adoption.

The proposed budget, outlined in Resolution R-2026-09, calls for raising $32.4 million through taxation, combined with an estimated $47.3 million in operating revenues, for a total operating budget of approximately $79.8 million. The proposal also includes more than $5.4 million for capital expenditures and capital reserve appropriations within the city’s proprietary funds.

The hearing marks the culmination of several weeks of budget workshops and reviews conducted by the Finance, Organization and Personnel (FOP) Committee. Since May, committee members have examined spending requests from city departments and discussed funding priorities for services including public safety, public works, parks and recreation, human services, information technology, water and sewer operations, and solid waste management.

City officials have encouraged greater public participation in this year’s budget process, noting that attendance at budget meetings has traditionally been low despite the significant impact budget decisions can have on city services, future projects, and local property taxes.

Residents who wish to speak are encouraged to attend the hearing in person. Those unable to attend may submit comments to members of the FOP Committee through contact information available on the City Council page. Budget documents and additional information remain available on the city’s website.

The City Council is expected to take its final vote on the budget on June 18. If approved, the new fiscal year budget will take effect July 1.