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Veterans service officer to resign May 1; officials debate repairs or replacement of veteran center building
Summary
Blake Miller, the county’s veteran service officer, said he will resign effective May 1 but will continue veterans’ activities; he also asked the commission to fund permanent full-time hours for the position and to earmark up to $25,000 for urgent roof and interior repairs at the veteran center.
Blake Miller, the county veteran service officer, announced he will resign effective May 1 and said he intends to continue hosting the veterans’ weekly coffee-and-donuts gathering until a successor is hired. Miller said he is resigning to pursue a private-sector opportunity (real estate) and thanked the county and veterans.
Miller and commissioners discussed the veteran center building’s deteriorating roof and interior problems. Miller said temporary repairs have not stopped leaks; he provided a contractor quote for a full roof replacement of about $22,100 (Randy Lewis Roofing) and asked the commission to earmark $25,000 to cover roof replacement plus associated drywall or insulation repairs. He noted other quotes as high as about $36,000 and expressed concern that the building lacks insulation and has older furnaces that may need replacement in time.
Commissioners discussed whether to repair the building, move veterans into alternate space (the armory) while work proceeds, or consider sale or repurposing of the property. One commissioner advised obtaining a contractor assessment and bringing a report to the next commission session. Miller also requested that the permanent VSO position be funded at 37.5 hours per week and that the discretionary $2,000 operating line be made permanent for whoever fills the role; he estimated the salary change would add about $5,980 annually to bring the position to $35,100 at current pay rates.
Commissioners asked county staff to obtain contractor estimates of full repair costs and to consider the long-term suitability of the building before committing significant funds. Miller repeated his commitment to continue programs until a replacement is in place.
