[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6112991,"mediaKeyId","2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1","parentId",2746564,"title","American Legion service officer proposed for Bay County office; staff training and local veteran events announced","audioSeconds",263,"startMs",2354000,"endMs",2617000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1&start=2354&end=2617","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1/thumbnail_2354000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6112991/Bay-County/Michigan/American-Legion-service-officer-proposed-for-Bay-County-office-staff-training-and-local-veteran-events-announced","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6112991-28bcf05dc6fa671f32c08ef923012162/orig.mp4?Expires=1775642473&Signature=LvAkSVDSRm1afnl61RfcWL5Np~S0GckI0BUYN-NjR~7K~M~Dt-Ye-LRZ7Vor2bNKye8CjgRpV-kv6ANfG6AjzLujIdU-hpPNlGqP4aCRQTSdxnL6MK8cAOUPP4q6A9bc4AerNcmfwrkLSGebYw2IADqeIAudBDCLsnLZCVBsOvbqZNmInzsskXfuHvyBtU5YBZDo~ibw8bjTRm2sd7e04Fdz5bpRDUcN0NWprxT7XopkThojLPi5Nk5s09LmcYZ356eAxNB7r--vjFRkUhPeDxh1bpW77oWYiGqnE-X1stUQ1IvdUw6NLee0UWBekvKbSi2sxBY5Fd~FVwiZFRwdeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bay County, Michigan","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Bay County Veterans Affairs Committee discussed adding an American Legion service officer to the county office and reviewed several upcoming training and community events during the March 18 meeting.

Committee members said the American Legion Department of Michigan has proposed placing a service officer in the county office approximately two days per week. The proposed officer is a female veteran, which committee members said would help veterans who prefer to speak with a female service officer. Committee staff and county officials will work through logistics and space requirements before any placement is finalized. \"This would help ... to have a space as well, you know, that's somewhat private within our confines of our office,\" a staff member said.

The committee also approved funding requests to support required annual training. Two staff members (Mark and Chaz) will attend mandatory training provided by the Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors in Grand Rapids to satisfy the 16-hour annual accreditation requirement for veterans service officers.

Members announced local veteran events: a Welcome Home Vietnam veteran lunch scheduled for Saturday, March 29, at Saint Stanislaus Church on Kosciusko Avenue (check-in 11 a.m., ceremony noon; RSVPs requested), and a traveling Vietnam Memorial exhibit planned for June 27–29 at Derby Farm Park Soccer Complex in Carroll. The committee circulated contact information for RSVP and volunteer inquiries.

Ending: Committee members directed staff to continue coordinating logistics with county administration and the American Legion, to fund required training, and to publicize local veteran events; no final agreement has been executed for an American Legion officer placement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bay County Veteran Affairs Committee Meeting (3/18/25)","oneSentenceSummary","Committee discussed hosting an American Legion service officer two days a week, staff annual training in Grand Rapids, and community events including a Welcome Home Vietnam veteran lunch and a traveling Vietnam memorial in Carroll; committee directed staff to work with county on logistics for the Legion officer.","taxTitle","taxId",5008,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6112996,"Bay County veterans office faces state grant cut to about $70,338 for fiscal 2025",372,1720000,2092000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1&start=1720&end=2092","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1/thumbnail_1720000.jpg","/articles/6112996/Bay-County/Michigan/Bay-County-veterans-office-faces-state-grant-cut-to-about-70338-for-fiscal-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6112996-6e932cb4656a1b070dabce2029eb6280/orig.mp4?Expires=1775642473&Signature=QU2p8ZeJQPCYJrsFLSJzI4jQ~tTntWVBMhAZL945JC4ALmyuGE3DtVFwdz~hmGFmbx~rfzxyU9xWWUqwzkOocNCI1PBwm9KVXC4SllyZX4490vdulx-xfxQWuksSRv2NPniW2gwagiXsLX4dgioIKqBU6OSyTi6pZw6KKlg22r3CiG6ZRGxyZgq1czGEf04ku3YhN9lFAqYAFEpo1op4SlhUPlQtL~UdUEb1LF4cX1uZHmDE55wudGa75rtwoCKOsEhNzBsD2m7VweUZKzbmMq8xrleugPxED7N8SiWNovHz7AzHatPYNKKnsfZQqvOfUbEKCcdbwiXTE2HQl3m~Ww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bay County Veterans Affairs staff told the committee on March 18 that a state Veterans Service Fund allocation for fiscal 2025 will be lower than expected: the county had anticipated about $99,000 but will receive a reduced allocation of approximately $70,338 after a cut of $29,584.76.

\"We were gonna get 99,000, and they came back ... cutting at $29,584.76, which is gonna leave us $70,338,\" the chair summarized after a recent state briefing. Staff said the reduction stems from more counties applying for the statewide fund this year; roughly $4.2 million is the statewide pool for all 83 counties, and as more counties apply the per-county allocation can fall.

Staff said Bay County has a fund balance and a stable base allocation (noted in the meeting as a $50,000 base amount) and does not expect immediate cuts to services, but administrative changes could increase staff workload. The state may move from quarterly to monthly reporting for grant reimbursements, and staff said that would change internal processing from a two-hour quarterly exercise to a monthly task that could increase time spent on reporting.

The county also discussed a state suggestion to provide counties a base $50,000 up front and then settle remaining funds in the following year after receipts and reconciliations, to avoid forecasting errors that led to overcommitments earlier in the program's history.

Staff said Bay County's relative history (it was among the first counties to establish a county department of veterans affairs under state statute) had previously resulted in higher allocations in past years, but this year many more counties applied and the statewide forecast did not hold.

Ending: The committee was briefed on the grant reduction and administrative changes; staff said they will monitor impacts and may review future budget priorities, but did not propose immediate program cuts.","The county expected $99,000 but learned the state allocation was reduced by $29,584.76, leaving approximately $70,338; staff said the cut reflects more counties applying and that monthly reporting and other administrative changes are being considered by the state.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6113001,"Bay County weighs options for veteran transportation as trips fall and state limits capital purchases",846,792000,1638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1&start=792&end=1638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1/thumbnail_792000.jpg","/articles/6113001/Bay-County/Michigan/Bay-County-weighs-options-for-veteran-transportation-as-trips-fall-and-state-limits-capital-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113001-40591eca73e35777b6491b1e768040a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775642473&Signature=mv9aF4KWBi297x57OlK99fYZfAy1XZFtI09bdK5mhQme7f4jzZXNW2Y2iTHSzsevPiQIuOKz4scAJfgPZdk7T5qlM~XbHUED4-tUAan2CgLAlhkKigKQlWQ9hIYVet38Rds2D0nlziq0YmQrr5vlmzJiFbvvpPfvJYdNZS-MrsIyRShVHUaogKxGHzyFUkCM7j0c8SW~6WP37xttwMiPCSGDlztI8itZOcGZs7umE57E20ycWKeoPuUaabxgQ3nC0NSz5mb2L3mTh7NcR5arbZydWa7Xf6JiKcq-VsD82Tnnll3sl1m~5gq5e1OW-L1kR1b2siyOUXeOWagLXFPuCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bay County Veterans Affairs Committee members reviewed the county's transportation program on March 18, saying trips have fallen since the previous year and that a recent state restriction on capital purchases complicates vehicle replacement plans.

Staff reported 24 trips between the last meeting and March 18, down from 58 in the same period the year before. \"That's down from 58 the year prior,\" a staff member said, adding that staffing shortages contributed: one driver covered most trips for the period and two drivers were added within the prior two weeks.

Committee members said they will investigate outside options before deciding whether to continue a county-operated vehicle service. Staff and the director said they plan a face-to-face visit to Saginaw to find the transportation administrator responsible for the Vet Ride program after repeated unanswered calls and emails. \"We're going to physically go out there,\" a staff member said; \"we'll know more by next meeting.\" The committee also discussed coordinating with Bay Metro and STARS, which could provide scheduled pickups and transfers.

Bay Metro representative Dave Smith was cited in committee discussion as saying the agency operates about 70 vehicles and may be able to provide multiple daily drop-offs and pick-ups for Bay County veterans. \"We have almost 70 vehicles, and they might have the capability to pick up this veteran's drivers,\" the staff recounted from his conversation with Dave Smith. Bay Metro suggested a possible $2 one-way fare per rider (roughly $4 round trip) if the agencies coordinate transfers.

Committee members raised liability and training concerns because county drivers are not emergency medical personnel. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) informed the county by email that no capital purchases (including vehicles) would be allowed going forward from MVAA funds, which committee members said would narrow funding options for vehicle replacement. Staff noted MVAA still covers salaries but not capital equipment.

Committee members said recruitment and retention of volunteer or paid drivers remains the most uncertain element. One member summarized the choice as fiscal feasibility first: if the county cannot cover costs, it may need to discontinue direct vehicle service and rely on partner agencies. The committee set direction to continue research, meet Saginaw transit staff in person, and report back at the next meeting.

Ending: No policy change or vote occurred on March 18; the committee will return with findings from planned meetings with Saginaw, Bay Metro and STARS and a recommendation about continuing the service.","Officials reported a drop in veteran ride usage (24 trips vs. 58 year prior), uncertainty about vehicle funding after the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency barred capital purchases, and plans to meet face-to-face with Saginaw transit and explore Bay Metro and STARS partnerships before deciding whether to continue the county-operated program.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6113003,"Bay County veterans committee proposes two-year continuous-use limit, tables final approval",396,387000,783000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1&start=387&end=783","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746564-aeb13a949982dc65fb2804abd22165a1/thumbnail_387000.jpg","/articles/6113003/Bay-County/Michigan/Bay-County-veterans-committee-proposes-two-year-continuous-use-limit-tables-final-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113003-b5a6ed416e1e1f8616d77d8abc760256/orig.mp4?Expires=1775642473&Signature=FNY-TNtb2jAulFriIEaRT7aEUHL-r3qiwvqYd4OYUvJciVb8~XgQdeIMibGnvCkj-L1KsWo5gClpp3oMVfV9RcfRQu7KqEq8VRI29C5jrctSYbh7TSP~9qhwJlJ7oFF9NHrpR~q24a3UV2apLboq7hGLraI2e-MWD-XzkkqoMO-VPHnomuZNNe8t-KSY4CjLXpqga5LNBRnIq6HoIhu9fwCko9P2x0et143fVu28hTwPB5Z3nT5UrEm-jp6NhUkwATN2EJzh8J6T1hUSGWO15Ix-mtXPUnWYqt5rRKY6iSUyZxP3VJaxEzV0OvW95KGAVqVySnLu73JUs-PJrvORDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bay County Veterans Affairs Committee discussed proposed changes to its emergency relief policy during its March 18 meeting at the Bay County Building, and deferred final approval to a future meeting.

Committee members focused on three substantive changes: a two-year limit on continuous use of emergency relief, a requirement that recipients complete financial-literacy training, and a clearer receipts policy that spells out warnings and suspensions for failure to return receipts. \"There is a 2 year limit on continuous use,\" a staff member said, describing the proposed time limit and noting the draft previously used a one-year figure.

The committee emphasized the financial-literacy requirement as a way to reduce repeat use. A staff member reported outreach to local partners and said Mike Jamrock and others had expressed interest in expanding existing classes to serve veterans. \"They already host certain financial literacy classes ... they are more than welcome to host or negotiate in some way with local stakeholders,\" the staff member said.

Members also clarified discipline for failing to return receipts. The committee reviewed language in the draft that prescribes a warning for a first offense, suspension from the program for six months for a second offense, and removal from the program for one year for a third offense. \"Guidelines for ... receipt of their previous food purchases required, failure to comply can result in suspensions,\" the chair said during the discussion.

Rather than vote on the revised policy, a committee member asked that the two items (the two-year limit and the financial-literacy requirement) be inserted into the draft and brought back for formal action. The chair agreed and the committee tabled final approval until the next meeting so members can review a complete draft.

Committee members said the changes are intended to make rules consistent with practice and to provide staff a written basis for decisions and for responding to complaints. Staff noted they will return with a revised policy for formal consideration at the next scheduled meeting.

The committee also discussed how the emergency relief policy could serve as a basis for other program rules, such as eligibility for transportation assistance, and asked staff to draft any cross-references before final approval.

Ending: The committee did not adopt the revised emergency relief policy on March 18; members directed staff to add the two items and present the complete draft at the next meeting.","Committee members discussed revisions to the emergency relief policy including a two-year continuous-use limit, mandatory financial-literacy training, and a receipt-return discipline; the committee directed staff to add two items and tabled final approval until the next meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

American Legion service officer proposed for Bay County office; staff training and local veteran events announced

Bay County veterans office faces state grant cut to about $70,338 for fiscal 2025

Bay County weighs options for veteran transportation as trips fall and state limits capital purchases

Bay County veterans committee proposes two-year continuous-use limit, tables final approval