Veterans Affairs budget presented as level‑funded; flags reimbursed through Chapter 115 program

The city’s Veterans Services director reported the department’s FY26 budget to the finance committee and said overall operations and the veterans’ agent budget will be “level set” for the coming year.

Director (Bob) said the principal budget pressure is the rising cost of flags — an annual item that has increased lately — and that the city receives reimbursement for flag costs through the state’s Chapter 115 program. The director said the program reimburses flag expenses and that he is able to use available funds to cover the purchases.

The department’s cash‑aid payments to veterans average about $20,000 per month, the director said, with some months higher or lower. Councilors thanked the veterans director and volunteers for recent events and community programs and discussed moving forward with the veterans’ tax exemption under the HERO Act; council support for pursuing that exemption was expressed.

The director also described maintenance items in the veterans’ budget and said most planned expenses are reimbursable or within expected ranges. Councilors offered public thanks for the department’s work and for recent memorial events.