KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Keene Mayor Jay Kahn joined the Good Morning Show with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio Monday to discuss a wide range of city issues—from fire department staffing to emergency preparedness and concerns about state budget cuts.

A key focus of the conversation was public safety, with Mayor Kahn announcing that the city is looking to add four firefighters to help reduce overtime and improve response capabilities. The department is now responding to about 6,600 calls annually—nearly double what it handled just a few years ago. The mayor said the city is also in discussions with Cheshire EMS about working more closely together to better manage the growing call volume.

Emergency preparedness was another major topic. Kahn shared results from a recent city survey in which residents expressed concerns about natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and mass casualty incidents. The city is now reviewing its communication and evacuation plans to ensure the community is ready in the event of an emergency.

On the legislative front, Mayor Kahn expressed concern over proposed state budget cuts that could impact the New Hampshire State Arts Council, the Humanities Council, state library services, and higher education funding. He also voiced opposition to legislation that could cap school spending and reduce local control.

In terms of city projects, the mayor mentioned discussions about installing banners on Main Street as part of a broader effort to prepare for Keene’s 250th anniversary in 2026. He encouraged the community to help recruit a volunteer committee to plan the milestone celebration.

Addressing questions about Keene State College, Kahn acknowledged concerns over possible budget cuts but reassured listeners that there are no current plans for the college to leave the city.

Listen to the full interview: