Keene council hears FY2026–27 budget; approves funding for four firefighters and 5% water and sewer rate increase

The Keene City Council on Tuesday held a public hearing on the proposed FY2026–27 budget and discussed department-by-department spending before taking a series of votes that will be incorporated into the city’s final budget. Finance Director Carrie Chamberlain summarized the proposal as an approximately $80.25 million operating program with about $32.94 million to be raised by property taxes and an overall year-over-year increase of roughly $2.66 million (an 8.3% change from FY26).

Chamberlain told the council the package includes $1.4 million for salary and benefits increases, about $560,000 to increase fire-department staffing so each shift would staff 12 firefighters instead of 11, and a $5.6 million capital allocation tied to the downtown project. She said debt service is within the city’s 12% cap and noted that some figures had been adjusted by the finance committee prior to the hearing.

Why it matters: the additions to personnel and capital in the proposed budget will be funded in part through the property tax levy and other operating revenues, and several items discussed at the hearing will be placed into the final budget for a vote on June 18.

Public testimony and program changes: during the hearing, race director Alan Stroshine thanked the council for long‑standing support of community events, noting the Clarence DeMar Marathon (Sept. 27) attracts broad participation. Michael Remy said TOK, Inc. will take over next year’s Taste of Keene festival. Several residents urged the council to retain funding for a sustainability coordinator, describing private donors’ pledges of $25,000 per year for three years to help make the position full‑time. Resident D. Robbins said the coordinator is needed to implement climate and energy plans adopted by the city’s volunteer groups.

Water and sewer ordinance: the council took final action on Ordinance O202607, a roughly 5% across‑the‑board increase in water and sewer utility charges to become effective July 1, 2026. On roll call the ordinance passed 14–1 (Councillor Workman voted no). Councillor Powers said the increase was necessary to cover rising operating costs and to begin catching up after years of below‑market charges.

Fire staffing resolution: to address overtime and staffing shortfalls in emergency services, the council adopted Resolution R2026‑24 to appropriate $525,460 to add four firefighters (salaries and operating costs). The motion passed unanimously on roll call. Supporters said the hires will reduce chronic overtime and bolster day‑to‑day public safety coverage.

Other budget items and next steps: Chamberlain outlined recommended changes across charter officers, municipal services, public works and enterprise funds, including capital work at pump stations and the Martell Court bypass project. The public hearing was closed with reminders that written comments must be submitted and signed by the stated deadline to be part of the record. The council plans a final budget vote at its June 18 meeting.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance O202607 (water/sewer rates) — adopted 14–1. Resolution R2026‑24 (four firefighters) — adopted unanimously. Numerous committee recommendations tied to contracts and grants (see provenance and actions list) were also approved for incorporation in the budget or referred as noted.

The council concluded its public hearing and moved to other agenda business, including confirmations, grant authorizations and project contract approvals; a nonpublic session was scheduled to follow to discuss land and legal matters.