Commissioners discuss expanding veteran service office hours, mobile scanner and space needs

Dubois County commissioners discussed a package of requests from the veteran service officer (VSO) that included moving the VSO to full-time hours, hiring assistant positions, acquiring equipment (including a mobile scanner), and securing additional storage and office space.

County staff summarized the VSO’s requests: increase the VSO to 40 hours a week from about 28 currently, two assistant positions at roughly 30 hours each, added office space for a three-room layout with reception and storage for medical records, and equipment such as laptops, a desktop, and a mobile scanner. Staff noted that increasing the VSO to full time would add benefits costs (an estimated additional $20,000 in benefits) and that the county would consult the auditor and council on funding before acting.

Commissioners said they supported the idea of moving the VSO to full time but preferred a stepwise approach before adding additional full-time positions. One commissioner said, "I think the VSO should go to full time the admin part time and then we'll reevaluate it then." Commissioners also authorized purchase of a mobile scanner (staff said funds exist for that item) and asked staff to meet with the county council and auditor to identify funding options and the path forward.

Staff also said they would check available storage (a vault was mentioned as a possible option) and report back with specifics. No final hiring decisions were made at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to pursue funding conversations and return with implementation details and timelines.