Glades County commissioners discuss adding part-time veteran service officer

GLADES COUNTY, Fla. — At its April 28 meeting, the Glades County Board of County Commissioners discussed creating a part-time veteran service officer and proposed a budget transfer to fund the post.

Commissioners debated hiring the position and a related budget amendment to shift operating dollars into a personnel account. A commissioner who advocated for the position said the county should expand outreach and help older veterans and their families access benefits.

“I firmly believe that a veteran service officer will not only do a lot of good for the people that are here already, but also get the word out and and try to get more people signed up so they can get benefits,” said Commissioner (unnamed). The same speaker said “it seems to me that over 10% of the county is veterans,” describing that share as higher in winter months.

The agenda item included a proposed budget amendment, listed in the packet as Budget Amendment 24-25-18, described in the meeting as a transfer “from the operating accounts to personal [services].” A motion to approve the addition of the veteran service officer and the budget amendment was made during the meeting; the transcript does not show a recorded second or a vote on the motion.

The commissioners described the position as part time during the discussion. No further detail on the proposed hourly rate, annual cost, or start date was provided in the transcript.

If approved, county staff would have to complete the budget transfer and any hiring process before the post could be filled. The meeting record does not indicate next steps or a timeline for implementation.