Cheryl Walker, superintendent at the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC), addressed the board during public comment and repeated the VAC’s request for a part‑time administrative assistant and for a $6/hour raise for the VAC superintendent. Walker said the VAC office is understaffed and that an assistant would maintain outreach and service continuity when the superintendent is absent.

Board members discussed legal and procedural issues. County counsel noted the VAC board had voted to approve the superintendent raise and to re‑authorize an administrative assistant, and that the commission can act under state law to authorize its own positions, but that funding and budget line‑items for county payroll require the county’s budgeting process. Several board members argued the obligation is effectively a general‑fund hit: one member said the VAC is governed by state‑level funding decisions and the county must provide the required support.

Several board members urged accommodating the VAC’s requests in the FY26 budget. Some members said the VAC’s needs are legally and morally compelling, and the board should include the requested funding rather than delay. Budget staff confirmed the VAC admin assistant request in the packet is for a part‑time position estimated at $18,402; the superintendent raise was described as a separate line item.

Why it matters: The VAC provides county‑supported services to veterans; neglecting staffing could reduce benefit delivery and outreach. The request touches on statutory and budgetary procedures because the VAC board can authorize position requests but the county must appropriate funds through the budget process.

Next steps: Staff will include the VAC line items in the set of items the board is considering for inclusion in the FY26 budget; the board signaled support and directed staff to record the requested adjustments for the formal budget adoption.