The Keene City Council approved a reallocation of $20,000 from the Public Works facilities operating budget to the Brian A. Matson Recreation Project at its May 1 meeting after councilors voted to suspend rules and act that evening.

Why it matters: Councilors said the recreation project is near completion but short on funds; the reallocation is intended to allow the project to be completed by August and to align with grant timing and project requirements.

Details of the action:
- Suspension of rules: Councilor Thomas F. Powers moved to suspend the rules (Rule 26) so the council could act the same night; the motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote.
- Reallocation motion: Councilor Thomas F. Powers moved to reallocate $20,000 from Public Works facilities account (65316672 operating budget line) to the Brian A. Matson Recreation Project (project account 65J0005A, clarified in discussion as 65J0004A for the correct project bucket). Councilor Brian J. Lake seconded the motion. The council approved the reallocation by unanimous roll call.

City staff said the funds came from available balances in Public Works’ facilities lines and that completing the project this summer aligns with grant specifications connected to the work.

The council clerk recorded unanimous yes votes on both the suspension and the reallocation motion; staff will manage the internal accounting transfer and proceed with project completion.