How We Can Assist

Finance & Budgeting:

- Our financial experts can guide you through complex budgeting, debt management, capital improvement planning, and financial reporting. We ensure your community remains fiscally healthy while meeting service and infrastructure needs. SMA members have developed numerous 10-year capital plans, highlighting long dormant needs and methodology to finance them. The team includes CPA, RMA and CMFO's.

Employee Evaluation Systems:

- We have the ability to design, quantify and implement a tailored employee evaluation system for all levels of your organization, be it the Administrator/Manager, department professionals to rank and file. We can also review and suggest refinements to job descriptions if needed.

Strategic Planning & Goal Setting
- Having led several goal setting sessions and developed strategic plans, SMA can be the impartial moderator for both in-house and community-based visioning sessions. These events can develop long range operational, infrastructure and fiscal planning documents.

Expert Witness:
- Our consultants have proven themselves to be some of the most highly regarded in numerous specialty areas and are recognized as some of the most experienced subject matter experts in the state. We can provide assistance in arbitration and litigation matters in a variety of areas.

Departmental Reviews:
- SMA is able to provide comprehensive reviews of most departments and functions in local government through our in-house professionals or partnerships with other subject matter experts. Our approach is holistic and our engagement with elected and administrative staff is unparalleled.

Public Safety:

- SMA has recognized public safety experts on our team. We work closely with our partners in police, fire, EMS, dispatch operations and emergency management professionals to assess operations, improve efficiency, and implement best practices. Our customized solutions help keep your residents safe and your agencies accountable.

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Labor Relations:
- Working with your labor attorney, SMA can provide experts in contract negotiations, contract costing and bargaining techniques resulting in favorable outcomes for all parties.

Qualified Purchasing Agent Services: 
- In order to take full advantage of the Local Public Contracts Law and the increased bid threshold, have an appointed Qualified Purchasing Agent. SMA's team includes knowledgeable QPA who can provide the requisite service through a professional services agreement, reducing overall personnel related costs.

Training Platforms
Continuous training is the backbone of an effective workforce. We can provide customized training - either in house or via web portal - in a myriad of subject matters. In most instances professional CEU's can be arranged. The most popular sessions include:
- management issues

- labor relations
- finance for non-finance employees
- leadership
- community relations
- newly elected officials (or those that want a refresher)

We also have the ability to custom tailor a training program or series to suit your particular needs. Contact us for specific requests and information.

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Crisis Communications:

Emergencies are never planned. Information in a crisis is vital and getting the right message out at the right time is critical. SMA has partnered with the preeminent communications firm in New Jersey, Princeton Strategic Communications, LLC. Together, we provide timely crisis communications and public information officer services when you need it most. With experienced public relations professionals and government executives available, we can assist when the unforeseen happens - at all hours, seven days a week. Our team approach works with local officials on messaging, press relations and has the ability to coordinate with other outside agencies when necessary. We can also facilitate pre-emergency communication planning sessions with your local and regional partners in disaster management - you never want to exchange business cards in a command trailer.

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Recruitment & Temporary Positions

Recruitment:
Finding the right leader matters. We offer comprehensive executive search services for municipal managers, administrators, finance officers, and department heads. Our thorough screening and selection process ensures the best fit for your organization’s culture and goals.

Consulting Services:
SMA has experienced Administrator/Manager, Municipal Clerk, Police Chief, Finance Officers, Fire Chief and Qualified Purchasing Agent who understand local government and are ready to provide guidance in a myriad of subject matters.

Interim Administrator/Manager Services:
If your municipality faces a leadership transition, our experienced interim professionals can ensure seamless continuity of operations. We stabilize, assess, and advance your municipality during periods of change.