Mount Pleasant Town Adminstrator Eric DeMoura presented a four-year strategic plan for the town, last Tuesday morning, during a Town Council retreat at Rivertowne Country Club.

In the plan, a mission statement is determined, core values are defined, internal and external assessments are observed and goals and objectives are set for 2012-2016.

"A strategic plan is, in essence, Mapquest to where you want to go," said facilitator Tom Leonard. "It's important to know where you are, where you want to head and how you want to get there."

DeMoura opened the presentation by noting some recent accomplishments of the Town of Mount Pleasant, including the town's use of alternative fuels in garbage trucks, the opening of Shem Creek Park and the Carolina Park Recreation Center and the design of a new town web site.

While discussing the four-step process of the strategic plan, DeMoura mentioned three main points: performance, impact and endurance.

DeMoura also presented findings of internal and external assessments, which he says now need to be analyzed.

One survey, a municipal services survey which generated 709 responses, found that majority of respondents find town government exceptionally helpful or helpful in their interactions.

"We know that our citizens are generally satisfied," DeMoura said. "But we can do better."

DeMoura also listed threats to the town, including natural disasters, reckless development by neighboring communities and being unprepared to serve an older population. "There is so much around us that is a threat to us and how we do business," DeMoura said. "Our ability to protect our citizens can be compromised."

Internal operating objectives outlined in the strategic plan include reducing the town's dependency on gasoline, utilizing technology to raise efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and securing the town's position as a leader in public finance.

Meanwhile, internal capital goals include the establishment of a capital repair fund for the repair and replacement of infrastructure and the creation of a rolling stock replacement fund for the replacement of town vehicles and equipment, including town vehicles like fire trucks and garbage trucks.

"Now, we have a lease-purchase on these items," DeMoura said. "It's cheap because interest rates are low. But they will rise, making our current system obsolete and very costly."

Internal workforce goals include establishing a succession plan, reinstating the tuition reimbursement program and filling key support positions with qualified individuals.

Finally, DeMoura shared the external community goals, like expanding opportunities for citizens and business owners to observe, participate and remain informed of issues inside town government.

The plan also outlines goals including completing the town's master transportation plan.

"This is very comprehensive," said Mayor Billy Swails following the presentation. "I think it's spot on."

During discussion of the proposed plan and the 28 total goals defined, council member Linda Page suggested the addition of the issue of annexation, particularly on the north side of town. Facilitator Leonard also made the point that the goals need to be prioritized.

Town Council later voted to accept the strategic plan, pending a few edits.

"I think the cooperation in government now is better than it's even been," said Mayor Swails. "It's there in black and white, and we need to do what the town administrator has asked us to do."