Members of veterans organizations told the Fall River City Council they support Veteran Service Officer Talos Ferris and urged councilors to back him. At the same council meeting the council sought an update from the administration about whether an internal investigation into claims involving the VSO had been opened, and later passed an ordinance amending the veterans benefits agent’s salary schedule.

Renee Brown, who identified herself as “the commander of the Fall River War Veterans Council,” told the council she came "in support of Talos Ferris, the VSO," and described her outreach to him after she was elected commander. Brown said the council had lost membership over years of “rumors and gossip” and that, "if it wasn't for Talos, the Fall River War Veterans Council would not have a working relationship with a lot of these organizations." She urged councilors to visit the VSO office and meet veterans in the community.

Another member of the public, Jordan Sylvia, also spoke in defense of Talos Ferris and criticized what he called longtime council “meddling” in administration matters; his remarks were delivered during the public-comment period.

Separately, a councilor asked on the record whether the administration had responded to a prior council request to investigate “claims that were levied by our VSO agent.” The councilor said he had sent a letter to the Human Resources Department and requested that the administration provide an update through council leadership or the clerk. Council President Kamara and others agreed to follow up with the mayor, human resources and the city administrator to determine whether the investigation had been commenced or concluded.

On the business agenda the council voted to pass to be ordained, as amended, an adjustment to the veterans benefits agent salary schedule. Multiple councilors praised the VSO and thanked colleagues who moved the measure out of an ordinance subcommittee. The vote to pass the salary amendment carried without recorded opposition.

Why it matters: The public statements in support of the VSO and the council’s request for an update underscore continuing concern among councilors and veterans about allegations involving a city employee and the timeliness of the administration’s response. The salary amendment will change the pay schedule for the veterans benefits agent; the ordinance was passed to be ordained as amended.

Distinguishing discussion and action: Public comments were delivered during citizens’ input. Councilors’ questions requesting an update from the administration constituted a formal request for information and direction to the mayor and HR. The salary amendment was passed by the council as an ordinance matter.

Next steps: Council leadership said they would follow up with the mayor, the human resources department and the city administrator to determine the status of any investigation and would report back to the council. The salary amendment will be enacted according to the ordinance process.