County examines moving from part‑time veteran services to full‑time VSO; funding and levy options discussed

County administrators told the finance committee they have discussed creating a full‑time veteran services officer (VSO) position to expand and professionalize services now run part‑time. Background and need: Jeremy, county administration, said the county has discussed bringing on a full‑time VSO to work alongside and succeed the current part‑time superintendent. He said the planned position would improve benefit access and transportation assistance and coordinate services for veterans who travel to regional VA hospitals. Costs and funding questions: Administrators said the draft budget includes a salary figure consistent with the current part‑time director’s compensation (roughly $60,000 in the draft) and that Lee County’s veterans assistance fund had a fund balance of about $200,000 as of Dec. 1, 2024. Finance staff said there are multiple funding options under state law: 1) county general could support the position through the current levy, 2) neighboring counties could share cost if permitted, or 3) a veterans commission could be formed to levy separately; staff noted language in the statute suggests such a commission’s levy could bypass rate limits in some circumstances. Operational questions and outreach: Committee members asked how veterans learn about services; members said word‑of‑mouth and VA referrals are common and that some veterans already travel to other counties for help. Members agreed to invite the county veterans director (Jim, not present) to the next meeting to discuss caseload, operations and deployment of a full‑time VSO. Ending: Committee agreed to continue exploring funding paths and to schedule Jim to brief the committee when he is available.