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KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Residents and business owners in Keene are being encouraged to take part in a series of upcoming public meetings as city leaders review and debate the proposed municipal budget for fiscal year 2026-2027.
City officials say the meetings will provide opportunities for the public to weigh in on spending priorities before the budget is finalized later this spring. Discussions will cover funding for municipal departments and services ranging from infrastructure and public safety to parks, human services, and long-term capital projects.
Most of the budget discussions will take place during meetings of the Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee, commonly referred to as the FOP Committee. Those meetings serve as the first stage of the City Council’s budget review process and include opportunities for public comment.
Deputy City Manager Rebecca Landry said the city is making an effort this year to draw more public attention to the process.
“Unfortunately, we typically see very little public participation,” Landry said. “This year we are highlighting the specific department budgets for each scheduled meeting to, hopefully, build interest and encourage public attendance.”
According to the city, public participation can help shape decisions involving department funding, tax impacts, and future investments. Officials are encouraging residents to attend meetings to better understand how city services are funded and to voice concerns or priorities before recommendations are forwarded to the full council.
The first budget workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Keene City Hall. That meeting will include reviews of general fund revenues and expenditures, debt service, information technology, outside agencies, human services, the library, parks and recreation, the airport, and community development, among other topics.
Additional FOP meetings are scheduled for May 14, May 19, and May 28. Departments scheduled for review include police, fire, finance, public works, water and sewer operations, and solid waste services. A citywide public hearing on the entire proposed budget is planned during the full City Council meeting on June 4 at 7 p.m.
Residents unable to attend meetings in person may also submit comments to councilors electronically through contact information available on the city’s council webpage. Budget documents and additional information are available through the city’s budget website at the City of Keene budget page.
The City Council is expected to hold its final vote on the proposed budget on June 18. The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2026.