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Commission debates state budget cuts, plans to prioritize Yankton County veterans and consider VSO scheduling or assistance
Summary
Commissioners discussed proposed state budget cuts that could reduce veteran services and proposed prioritizing Yankton County veterans first, setting appointment-only service for out-of-county veterans and exploring hiring help or passing a resolution.
YANKTON — Commissioners spent time discussing potential state budget cuts affecting veterans services and debated steps to protect local veteran-service delivery, including prioritizing Yankton County residents and arranging appointment-only service for nonresidents.
Commissioners and county staff said budget proposals circulating at the state level could reduce reimbursements for veteran-service officers and other supports. Several commissioners expressed concern about overloading the county’s Veteran Service Officer (VSO), who staff said is answering increasing demand and at risk of burnout.
A commissioner proposed prioritizing Yankton County veterans and scheduling out-of-county clients by appointment only; another suggested drafting a resolution articulating that priority so the county’s position would be clear to both the public and the state. Commissioners agreed to meet with the VSO to set a practical schedule and to revisit a formal resolution after awaiting clarity on the state budget — one commissioner suggested a 60-day delay before taking formal action so the county can see what the state does.
Commissioners also discussed recruiting an assistant for the VSO or adjusting the VSO’s schedule and signage to communicate any prioritization. No formal binding action was taken during the discussion; commissioners planned follow-up with the VSO and county administration.
