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City of Keene mismanaged finances, state auditor finds
Keene City Hall, home of its government operations. Image credit: Essex County
The city of Keene failed to keep accurate financial records, according to an audit conducted by the state comptroller’s office.
City staff failed to provide timely financial reports at council meetings over a two-year period. Only 3 of 23 budget reports were presented.
The town supervisor and clerk mismanaged the accounting records, with two-thirds of the asset and liability accounts being either overstated or understated.
Additionally, the board failed to complete required audits and reporting, completing only 15 of the 133 required financial activity summaries.
The city council disagreed with several instances cited in the audit. They introduced a corrective plan that includes increased oversight and hiring an accountant.