Reclassification in veterans office led to resignation and staff concerns

Members told the committee that a recommended reclassification in the veterans office — shifting a deputy role to an entry-level veterans benefits specialist — had a direct personnel impact: an 18-year employee resigned in response to the change. Paul explained the reclassification and said the office had historically used multiple deputy-level and assistant positions but the salary study led to role changes. “That was what you were trying to create, like, the hierarchy of being able to…,” Paul said as he described the rationale for the structure.