Public opinion sought on county's direction
Development of a strategic plan for Monmouth County has begun, and the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders will be relying heavily on input from residents to help develop a plan aimed at improving county services and identifying efficiencies that can be implemented.

According to a press release from the county, later this year county residents and taxpayers will be asked to participate in a series of community forums to measure their views on services offered by the county, things they would like to see more or less of, and things they would like to see done differently. The forums will be augmented by a scientific public opinion poll representative of a cross section of county residents. Respondents also will be asked to share their thoughts on how they envision the county in the years ahead.

"Hopefully, through the strategic plan, we will find ways to make our county more efficient and cost-effective," said Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton, who oversees the county's Finance Department and the annual budgeting process. "It's very important that we think for the long-term health and welfare of the county. This is definitely the direction we should be going in."

The development of a strategic plan was called for in a 2007 report by the county's Budget Review Committee. Monmouth County will be the first county in New Jersey to have a strategic plan, according to the press release.

"The county is a large business, employer and service provider, and we really should have a plan that shows us where we are and where we are going," said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, who served on the Budget Review Committee. "This will help us focus on our goals. It is also very important for the public to see we are very serious about it."

Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said, "Having a strategic plan will help identify efficiencies in government which could ultimately translate into savings for taxpayers. I am proud to say that Monmouth County is once again taking a leadership role in New Jersey by becoming involved in strategic planning, and I am sure other counties will follow."

Janus Solutions of Hopewell was the low bidder for a 12-month contract and also the preferred choice to guide the county through the strategic planning process. Janus Solutions has already begun assembling and analyzing data supplied by the county to gain an understanding of current operations.

Tom Blatner, president and CEO of Janus Solutions, made a presentation on June 26 before the Board of Freeholders.

"Strategic planning is not a substitute for acting or thinking, and it is not a substitute for leadership," Blatner said. "It is a strategy for positive change. It promotes strategic thought, improves decision-making and performance, and provides benefits to your constituency."

In addition to residents, strategic planning will include input from department heads as well as community leaders.

"It is essential to involve a broad range of stakeholders," Blatner said.

Information about the strategic plan also will be available on the county's Internet Web site. The county is exploring whether a version of the survey can be included online and in the county newsletter.

Once all of the information is gathered, the Strategic Plan Committee - comprising personnel from inside and outside the county - will evaluate the county's strengths, weaknesses and opportunities so that a plan can begin to be carved out.

Celeste Carpiano, president of the New Jersey Association of Counties and a member of the Strategic Plan Committee, congratulated the freeholders and said Monmouth County will be the first county in New Jersey to have a strategic plan.

Once the information-gathering process is completed by the end of the year, the Strategic Plan Committee will spend a few months analyzing the data and will then begin making recommendations. A final document, or plan, could be adopted by the freeholders in May or June 2009, according to the press release.