Freeholders OK vision for county operations
The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has adopted a strategic plan - the first of its kind in the state - that will be a blueprint for county operations going forward and contains detailed, measurable goals for the delivery of services.

The county announced the adoption of the strategic plan in a press release.

"This is the end of a long, exhausting project that involved every department at all levels of county government," Freeholder Director Barbara J. McMorrow said. "But it is just the beginning in terms of how Monmouth County government will respond to the needs of its citizens. For the first time, we have a blueprint detailing the goals and expectations for the delivery of county services."

"The county is a large business, employer and service provider, and as such we should have a plan that details where we are and points us in the right direction," Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. "This plan identifies specific goals and timeframes for completion of those goals. It is important for the public to see we are serious about improving the delivery of county services."

According to the press release, the development of a strategic plan for county operations was recommended in a 2007 report by the county's bipartisan Budget Review Committee. Most of the 36 other recommendations by the committee have already been implemented. McMorrow and Clifton served on that committee.

Glenn Cashion, who chaired the Budget Review Committee, commended the county for its work developing the strategic plan.

"You have taken a difficult assignment and produced an excellent strategic plan that will serve Monmouth County in the near term as well as in the long term," he said.

The freeholders relied on input from residents to help develop the strategic plan. Last year, during the information-gathering process, residents and taxpayers were asked to participate in a series of community forums to measure their views on services offered by the county. The forums were augmented by a scientific public opinion poll representative of county residents. Respondents were asked to share their thoughts on how they envision the county in the years ahead.

"The forums were very helpful in identifying not only areas of concern from county residents, but in highlighting the services they liked," Freeholder John D'Amico said. "For instance, residents were very concerned about transportation and the ability to move around Monmouth County, yet they were very pleased with the Monmouth County Park System."

The poll, conducted by the Monmouth University Polling Institute, surveyed a cross section of more than 500 county residents and indicated that 91 percent of Monmouth County residents view their home county in a positive light. Nearly half gave it the top rating of excellent and 57 percent said it is a better place to live than other counties in New Jersey. Fifty-seven percent rated county government positively, too.

"Overall, the results of the survey were very positive and I am glad to hear it because, as a freeholder, I've always viewed my role to be someone who should protect the quality of life we have all come to enjoy in Monmouth County," Freeholder Lillian Burry said. "It is my hope that this strategic plan will force us to be even more accountable to the citizens we serve."

The plan contains five strategic areas and 161 action items that will be acted upon over the course of the next five years. The five areas include: providing leadership with regard to spending and taxes; promoting responsible and sustainable development and economic growth; promoting the safety, security and well-being of all county residents; steward the preservation and enhancement of natural resources and respect for local history, and advocate on public policy issues, statutes and regulations beyond county control that impede county goals.

"Each of the 161 action items identifies responsible parties within county government and target dates for completion," Freeholder Amy A. Mallet said. "Most are cost neutral and some contain savings while others represent costs. The best thing is it is in black and white and easy to understand. In a sense it is a contract with county residents by this Board of Freeholders."

With adoption of the plan, Monmouth County has become the first county in New Jersey to have a strategic plan, according to the press release.