FREEHOLD – Residents wishing to share their ideas about how Monmouth County can improve government services can do so by attending one of the community forums announced by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders:

“Ever since we announced that the county is moving forward with a strategic plan, it has generated a great deal of interest from members of the public,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton, a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. “Residents, business owners and others interested individuals are invited to share their thoughts and views by attending the community forums or by submitting comments online or by mail. The forums are a great way for residents to offer their thoughts and ideas while hearing what their neighbors have to say.”

 

 

 

Anyone unable to attend a community forum may submit ideas about the strategic plan process by mail or online. Comments by mail should be postmarked no later than Dec. 1, 2008 and sent to: Strategic Plan Committee, c/o County Administrator, Hall of Records, One East Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. Online comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Click here for the online comment submission form or to obtain a form to mail-in. 

 

“I am thrilled that the people of Monmouth County are taking such a strong interest in their government and how it operates,” said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, also a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. “A strategic plan will help us achieve our goals as public servants. The best way to do that is to encourage and receive input from the public we serve.”

 

Also in November, the Polling Center at Monmouth University will survey county residents on topics and issues related to government services and Monmouth County’s future. 

           

Once the information-gathering process is completed, the Strategic Plan Committee will analyze the data and review all government operations and then begin making recommendations with an eye toward improving government services and identifying efficiencies that can be implemented by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. A final document, or plan, could be adopted in the summer of 2009.

 

The need for a countywide strategic plan was identified in a report last year that was prepared by the bi-partisan Budget Review Committee. Monmouth County will be the first county in New Jersey to have a strategic plan. 

 

 

Additional information about the strategic plan process may be found on the county’s Web site or by calling 732-431-7310. 

 

           

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