FREEHOLD – Borough residents who are taking part in a new participatory budgeting program are telling their governing body what projects they want funded in the community.
In a series of meetings, members of the public are being introduced to an opportunity to have a voice in how municipal officials spend part of Freehold Borough’s capital budget.
Residents and other stakeholders are presenting ideas as to how they would like to improve the town’s infrastructure, according to a press release.
An Innovation Committee consisting of seven residents has been conducting the meetings, along with Councilman Ron Griffiths. Meetings have already been held with senior citizens, the Youth Government Council and the general public. The Freehold High School Student Council is also working with the program, according to the press release.
Any resident may submit an idea before April 15 on a form that is available online at the borough’s website, or a paper copy available at Borough Hall, 51 W. Main St.
The next meeting will be held on March 30 at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall.
The Innovation Committee will host a final meeting on April 10 at the same venue and time. That evening, those people submitting ideas will have a chance to explain their ideas and tell others how the project they are proposing would benefit the community.
After all project ideas are vetted by the Innovation Committee and the borough’s professionals, a final list will be placed on a ballot. All residents age 14 and older will be eligible to vote on the approved projects. The vote will take place in late May or early June and the announcement of the winners will be made in mid-June, according to the press release.
The improvements accepted by the public vote will be funded by the borough and implemented as quickly as practical. Officials have allocated $200,000 for the cost of these projects. These expenses will not increase the municipal budget or property taxes, according to the press release.
Borough officials have said they hope that participatory budgeting will directly involve residents in the budgeting and borough-building process, foster civic engagement and community spirit, and help ensure the town’s capital plan reflects the priorities of residents and stakeholders.