KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The Keene City Council is moving forward with a key change to its long-term financial planning, shifting $500,000 from fiscal year 2028 to 2027 in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

The CIP acts as a guiding document and outlines major projects across all city departments between fiscal years 2027 and 2033. The adjustment, made during Thursday’s full council meeting, reflects an effort to ensure other streets across the city are taken care of during the Downtown Infrastructure Improvement and Reconstruction project.

The downtown project is out to bid right now, with proposals due on April 16. Public Works Director Don Lussier said the plan is to break ground in mid/late May. The project is slated to take three construction seasons and go in phases along Main Street.

While the funding shift was a central action item, councilors also spent time discussing upcoming work and public engagement tied to Dinsmoor Woods along Maple Avenue. The trees in that area have been infested with Red Pine Scale and will be cleared during Keene School District’s April vacation, slated for April 27 – May 1, to limit disruptions at Keene Middle School. The council highlighted an upcoming community walk scheduled for April 11 and encouraged residents to participate, framing the event as an opportunity to better understand the work in one of the city’s natural areas.

City Manager Elizabeth Ferland also noted that the budget for fiscal year 2027 is due from her office on May 1. The budget process will begin at the Finance, Organization, and Personnel Committee meeting on May 12. A public hearing is scheduled for June 4, with the final vote slated for June 18.