Government

Keene officials are moving ahead with a $26 million downtown infrastructure project after receiving a lower-than-expected bid from Casella Construction, while also advancing grants, utility policy changes and discussions about expanding Fire Department staffing.

A Keene City Council committee voted unanimously to recommend awarding the city’s downtown infrastructure project contract to Casella Construction after the company submitted the lowest bid at $26.1 million. Officials say the project can move forward without increasing the proposed tax rate or bond funding.

Keene officials opened two bids Friday for the downtown reconstruction project, with Casella Construction submitting the lower proposal at just over $26 million.

Keene city councilors advanced housing initiatives, reviewed infrastructure updates and began debate on a proposed $57 million budget that would increase the city tax rate by 6.7%.

Keene officials are encouraging residents and business owners to attend a series of public budget meetings in May and June as the City Council reviews spending plans for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

State and local officials told residents at a Keene town hall that declining state support for schools, infrastructure, and municipal services is placing growing pressure on local property taxpayers.

Sen. Donovan Fenton says state funding cuts are driving local property tax hikes ahead of a May 6 Keene town hall.

Keene Mayor Jay Kahn addressed Maple Avenue tree cutting, Keene State funding concerns, and the proposed downtown reconstruction project during a live WKBK radio appearance.

Keene’s MSFI committee reviewed neighborhood traffic concerns, debated skate park parking tied to grant funding, and discussed allowing dogs in Woodland Cemetery.

Keene’s city engineer says a late bid submission prompted a short re-bid window, but officials remain optimistic the downtown project can still begin this summer.