Council approves ‘Volusia Values Veterans’ program, county to pursue veteran endowment and employee leave policy

The Volusia County Council unanimously approved the Volusia Values Veterans program on May 20, authorizing staff to implement a package of services, partnerships and administrative changes aimed at improving county support for veterans.

Lede and nut: The program, presented by Brad Burball and staff, centers on modernizing veteran services with case management, a kiosk registration system, expanded outreach and public benefits. The council also authorized execution of memoranda of understanding and directed implementation of a Florida statute establishing administrative leave for employees with service‑connected disabilities.

Program elements and partners: Staff described four strategic pillars — public initiatives, veteran employee recognition, addressing homelessness and critical needs, and supporting veteran entrepreneurship. Noted actions include a proposed $50,000 veterans support endowment to fund a veteran stand down, a Patriot Pass library card for veterans, expanded case management across four offices and partnerships with organizations such as West Volusia Habitat for Humanity and United Way of Volusia and Flagler County.

Employee leave: The council directed implementation of a Florida statute (House/State provision discussed at meeting) that would allow county employees with service‑connected disabilities to take administrative leave for related medical appointments (up to 48 hours annually under the statute staff described). Staff said only a handful of counties have implemented the measure and that it could make Volusia an employer of choice for veterans.

Why it matters: Staff said the county’s veteran services offices served about 16,000 veterans last year and that the program aims to coordinate existing resources with private partners to address suicide prevention, homelessness and food insecurity among veterans. The county also plans to pursue a certification program that recognizes employers committed to hiring veterans.

Council action and public comment: Councilman Jake Johansen led discussion and moved approval. The motion to approve the program, authorize MOUs and direct implementation of the leave policy passed 7–0. A member of the public representing a veterans motorcycle association described a recent partnership with county staff at a stand‑down event. Council members praised staff for coordinating public‑private partnerships and endorsed efforts to continue fundraising for an endowment.

Ending: Staff will return with the executed MOUs and reports on endowment fundraising and program rollout.