MOST COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED ON OCTOBER 29

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has ordered the closure of all non-essential Monmouth County offices. The closures are in advance of the severe weather predictions for Hurricane Sandy.

The county’s essential functions including public works and law enforcement will be open and employees will report to work as scheduled.

Additionally, the Election Offices at 300 Halls Mills Road will be open to accept Vote By Mail applications in advance of the 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 30 deadline.

“In the interest of safety for our residents and our employees, we are closing all but essential county offices on Monday,” Freeholder Director John P. Curley said. “We are continuing to work around the clock to prepare for the storm and after the storm passes, we will shift into the recovery mode.”

“County essential personnel will report to work as scheduled,” Monmouth County Administrator Teri O’Connor said. “Staff from public works and engineering, health department, public information and the Sheriff’s office are among the essential personnel who are actively involved in our hurricane operations and we need them on the job.”

The county declared a state of emergency on Saturday to allow the Office of Emergency Management to mobilize all county resources and direct them where they are needed to protect life and property.

Hurricane Sandy is expected to arrive Monday and continue with high winds, torrential rain and the potential for major flooding through Tuesday.;

“The most important factor we need to stress throughout this event is that people stay safe,” said Mike Oppegaard, Director of Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management. “Listen to local radio and television for information and be sure to check out the county Web site for updated information.”;

Residents can also “like” “Monmouth County Government” on Facebook and follow the “MonmouthGovNJ” on Twitter.”