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Keene EDC Type B presses staff for line-item clarity after proposed budget grows by about $34,000
Summary
Board members questioned a roughly $34,000 change in the proposed FY26–27 EDC Type B budget, raised missing payroll-benefit lines, asked for clearer itemization of software and audit costs, and requested staff return with a detailed, balanced budget next month.
During its meeting the Keene EDC Type B board scrutinized the proposed FY2026–27 budget, saying the packet showed a roughly $34,000 increase from the version circulated last month and contained itemization the board could not easily reconcile.
"The budget that we were given last month grew by $34,000," board member Mr. Martin said, asking staff to explain where the differences came from and to provide line-by-line detail. Board members flagged a roughly $21,671.20 set of payroll-related items (overtime, payroll taxes, longevity, TMRS contributions and benefits) that did not appear where expected on the exported packet; staff said those personnel costs exist in the city’s internal accounting system and that full personnel budgeting will be completed in July.
Finance and city staff described an activity-based costing approach that apportions portions of administrative salaries (city manager, finance manager, scheduling clerk) to EDC A and B based on hours worked rather than a single consolidated line. Staff said some figures in the packet are summarized ("gray line" totals) and will be expanded on request.
Board members also questioned apparent spikes in professional services and audit allocations. Staff said last year’s city audit cost about $63,000 and that EDC B’s share is allocated across funds (staff said EDC B is approximately 10% of the total audit allocation) but acknowledged the packet’s exported numbers appeared inconsistent and promised to reconcile and provide a clear explanation.
Other notable first-year increases — including a new agenda-management system and Laserfiche/document-management setup fees — drew questions; staff explained those are one-time setup costs that will decline in subsequent years and will enable integrated meeting streaming, packet-video sync, and broader public records access.
Several board members said they would prefer a more-expanded, itemized presentation and asked staff to return next month with a balanced budget, detailed line items and explanations for large or new expenditures. There was discussion of tabling formal approval until the next meeting to allow staff time to supply the requested detail.
