Stabilizing its finances and increasing communication with the public are two of the town of Monument’s major goals through 2028.

The full list was approved Monday night as part of the town’s strategic plan. For each of the four goals the town set out, the plan has multiple tasks to finish by certain deadlines within the three-year time frame.

“It’s a format that is doable and repeatable, and it’s definitely something that the town should be proud of, especially its citizens,” said Councilman Marco Fiorito.

On the financial side, the town’s plan ensures safeguards to avoid future budget surprises. This year, due to a combination of declining sales tax revenue and chronic deficit spending, Monument was forced to lay off employees and cut back on other spending to balance the budget.

The new strategic goals call for the town’s finance department to facilitate yearly, independent audits and produce a long-term financial forecast. It also called on the town to produce a plan for fixing or replacing Monument’s capital assets, like vehicles and machinery.

By June 2027, the plan also calls for the Monument town manager to present an option to join a renewable water-supply project. Monument has been a player in an infrastructure project called the Loop Water Authority, which would provide renewable water to multiple water districts in the Pikes Peak region, but other options could be on the table.

To increase communication with the public, the plan calls for the Monument Police Department to step up bike patrol activity and coverage, expand duties of a community resource officer, and ensure a dedicated school resource officer presence by June 2026.

Under the plan, the Monument town manager also will need to create an updated emergency management program by December 2026 to include increased capabilities, response plans and public education.

A third goal is “responsible community development,” which will include updates to the town’s building inspection process and new strategies for economic development. The Public Works Department will also be getting a new garage for its assets, to be integrated with maintenance and emergency response, by the end of 2028.

The last goal has to do with the town’s workforce and promoting a positive work culture. One task is “redundancy” by cross-training public works staff so they can all handle water breaks, snow removal and street patching.

The Police Department will also be working to develop an advancement plan for its officers, along with accreditation through the Colorado Association Chiefs of Police by 2028.

Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind said the strategic plan left room for flexibility while setting the town on the right track.

“As times change, I’m sure the objectives will change, as well,” he said.