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Resident warns borough to weigh risks, criteria before pursuing strategic management planning grant
Summary
During public comment Monroe Borough residents urged caution about a proposed Strategic Management Planning (STMP) grant application, highlighting the program's scope, matching requirements and potential implementation burdens.
William Hanna, a resident of Monroe Borough, told council members during public comment on June 17 that the Strategic Management Planning (STMP) program could produce useful long‑range planning but carries significant obligations that borough officials should understand before committing.
Hanna described the program as “consulting services for 3 to 5 year financial plan” and said it offers up to $200,000 with a 50% local match. He cautioned the council that awardees may face intrusive management reviews, interviews, and implementation obligations, and that the state may withhold funds if progress is deemed unsatisfactory.
Why it matters: Hanna said the program is more expansive than a typical strategic plan, covering operations, staffing levels, best practices and intergovernmental cost‑sharing options. He told councilors the process can be “pretty uncomfortable” because it requires staff interviews and a close look at municipal operations.
Procedure and selection questions: Hanna asked the council to clarify how the borough would select a consultant if the grant application succeeds. He noted there were five bidders for the borough’s RFP, that proposers vary in years of experience and that some use subcontractors. He asked whether presentations were scheduled and urged council to establish transparent selection criteria before moving forward.
State forms and background: Hanna referenced “DCD form number 69” (as he pronounced it) and an analysis that showed borough expenses exceeded revenues as early as February 2021. He also said only a small number of projects are chosen for the STMP phase‑two implementation pool: “$1,000,000 they approved, and only 4 projects will go on a phase 2 this year,” he said.
Council response and status: At the June 17 session council did not award contract funds or approve a final application; staff and council indicated the matter remains under consideration. Hanna urged thorough review of the RFPs, interviews and selection criteria before committing borough resources to match obligations or implementation costs.
What remains unresolved: Hanna stressed the need to define success criteria and to anticipate the program’s Phase 2 implementation needs; councilors did not set a final date for a decision during the meeting.
