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FREEHOLD, NJ — The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is spotlighting the City of Long Branch as a standout example in its growing network of shared services partnerships. The city’s long-standing relationship with the County dates back to 1998 and has steadily expanded to include a wide range of cost-saving collaborations that have improved operational efficiency for both parties. Shared Services between towns and the County are a critical component in reducing the tax burden of residents.
One of the most notable agreements was signed in 2020, when Long Branch entered into a Community Rating System (CRS) Shared Services agreement with Monmouth County. This innovative partnership allows the city to offer flood insurance premium discounts to residents through access to the County’s web-based CRS/floodplain management platform. The system consolidates flood hazard area data and helps ensure compliance with FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations.
“The Community Rating System reduces the stress of administrative processes and software-related operating costs for our partners,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Monmouth County Office of Shared Services. “This agreement will ensure that Long Branch is in compliance with FEMA-NFIP rules and regulations.”
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Long Branch Mayor John Pallone emphasized the value of the agreement given the city’s location within a flood zone. “This is beneficial to our city because the Long Branch area is bordered by Branchport Creek, Troutman’s Creek, Manahassett Creek, and Lake Takanassee,” said Pallone. “The agreement, guided by the Monmouth County Planning Board, provides us with access to a powerful, web-based platform for aggregating critical flood hazard data.”
In addition to the CRS program, Long Branch participates in a wide range of shared services with Monmouth County, including Commodity Resale, Public Safety Answering Point, Municipal Assistance, Tax Board MOD IV, and iTax Map Agreements.
The Monmouth County Office of Shared Services continues to build new partnerships and expand offerings. Its mission is clear: to provide high-quality services, equipment, and resources that reduce municipal costs while improving delivery of services to residents. “Long Branch is a great example of how shared services can work on many levels — from flood prevention to public safety and beyond,” said Director Arnone. “We’re proud of what we’ve built and excited to grow even more.”
Monmouth County’s Shared Services initiative has grown into one of the most robust and respected programs in New Jersey. With 53 municipalities under its umbrella, the County’s Office of Shared Services functions as a centralized resource hub, offering cost-effective support for essential services and operations.
Key Shared Services Across the County Include:
Municipal officials interested in participating in shared service agreements are encouraged to contact the Monmouth County Office of Shared Services to begin exploring opportunities.
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