Government

Keene city councilors approved a $26 million contract for the Downtown Infrastructure Project, rejecting a proposal to seek additional cuts and keeping construction on track for a summer start.

Keene officials reviewed the proposed FY 2027 Public Works budget during a special Finance, Organization and Personnel Committee meeting Tuesday, discussing staffing improvements, infrastructure investments, and a proposed 5% increase in water and sewer rates.

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.