Monmouth County launches shared services Web site Bayshore Courier News Posted:11/30/09
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FREEHOLD (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ) - Monmouth County Shared Services have recorded estimated cost savings across several municipalities in the multi-million dollar range. Recently, the county has launched a Web site dedicated to creating additional local partnerships and saving more taxpayer money.
"Monmouth County is taking the lead locally to create opportunities for shared services partnerships," Freeholder Robert D. Clifton said. "There are not just partnerships with the county, but municipal-to-municipal partnerships as well. Using the county's Web site, the county has created a centralized depository of documentation and information to service, facilitate and coordinate all county and municipal departments and their needs in the burgeoning shared services arena."
"The county serves as a ‘one stop shop' for any county department or Monmouth County municipality seeking to access cost savings through county provided resource programs," said Stephen Callas, Monmouth County's shared services coordinator. "For the first time there is a central resource in our larger community where shared services partners can go to find opportunities to reduce costs."
Municipalities, schools and local authorities now have the ability to access a system in which they can go to the Web site, identify a "match" and enter into a share services agreement with another town or authority that is seeking the same savings in the same area of services.
"Through this centralizing and streamlining of the system, Monmouth County is equipped to better serve and facilitate shared services projects," said John Ciufo, Administrative Department director of the county's Department of Planning, Economic Development and Regulatory Affairs.
"The county is currently providing the highest level of 911 emergency communications services to participating municipalities at a fraction of their individual costs," Clifton said. "Currently, 45 Monmouth municipalities, two military facilities, nine police departments, 30 fire departments and 22 first aid squads utilize this valuable and cost efficient shared service."
In addition to fostering partnerships among municipalities, schools and local authorities independent of the county, the Web site also will highlight areas in which these public agencies can partner with the county or in which the county can assist them in finding savings through the county's Cooperative Purchasing Program.
Under the County Co-Op, as long as the agencies use the terms and conditions the county has with a vendor, they can use it to purchase equipment and supplies. Since the county has already gone out to bid, the agencies do not have to do so, as long as the vendor extends the county's price to them.
For details on the municipal assistance/shared services program, contact the county's Department of Public Works and Engineering at 732-577-8758. The new, shared services Web site can be accessed at visitmonmouth.com.
