Elizabeth will hire consultant for strategic management plan

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

Elizabeth is taking a proactive approach to getting its financial affairs in order and moving to the next level of economic development.

Borough council plans to hire Dennis Martinak to prepare a strategic management plan through a state program under the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The state funding is pending.

Elizabeth Councilwoman Cynthia Morris said Martinak’s firm was the first choice of everyone on council.

“We were very impressed with their firm,” Morris said. “They’re a good fit for what we have going on. He’s got over 30 years experience as an elected official as well, as mayor and councilman.”

Morris said Martinak’s experience running a borough as well as his professional experience as a planner made him the best choice from a group of well-qualified applicants. Once state funding is obtained, the borough will pay only 10% of the cost of the plan, or about $5,000.

Martinak said he looks forward to working with borough officials on what should be a 10-month project examining the borough’s finances, management and administration.

“It’s not a comprehensive plan. It’s more like looking at the functions of the borough when it comes to financial and administrative functions,” Martinak said. “The biggest piece of this is the finances.”

Martinak said analysts will look at where the borough is and where it is heading, preparing a five-year projection to keep the community on sound financial footing.

“This is more of a proactive thing. They’re getting a fair assessment,” Martinak said. “They’re not in any jeopardy. It will help them build things up and move them forward.”

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