FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders held their annual reorganization meeting recently.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Sheriff Shaun Golden of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. This was followed by a rendition of the Start-Spangled Banner and an invocation performed by Pastor Scott Brown of the Colts Neck Reformed Church.
Freeholder Lillian G. Burry had been re-elected for a three-year term and was sworn in by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. Freeholder Patrick Impreveduto was also newly elected for a three-year term, sworn in by Lisa P. Thornton, Assignment Judge of the Monmouth County Superior Court.
Thomas Arnone was elected as Freeholder Director for the 2018 year, while Burry was elected as Freeholder Deputy Director. Both Arnone and Burry were given the oath of office by Judge Thornton.
Taking his position as Freeholder Director, Arnone has some plans in mind for the New Year.
“I want to continue what we’ve been doing the past seven years,” he said, after the meeting took place.
Arnone wants to focus on minimizing any, if at all, tax increases. This is something he says he has been working at very hard for the last seven years and plans to continue doing in 2018. He also plans to “aggressively” work on road and infrastructure improvements and engage in proactive economic development processes.
Another focal point of this year will be the shared service initiative between the townships of Monmouth County and the county itself, according to Arnone. This initiative enables any of the townships to call upon the county for assistance with municipal services, whether that is plowing, dredging, dispatching, or other services.
“Howell purchased salt and brine from the county at a discounted rate,” he said.
Asked whether any other townships took part in this initiative during the recent snow storm, Arnone said, “Without a doubt.” Farmingdale requested the county’s help for snow removal because they didn’t quite have the resources to combat the massive storm, he explained.
This initiative has been going on for the past seven years since Arnone has been involved with the county, and he plans to continue expanding its efforts.
“We want to continue to build on and make Monmouth County better,” he said.