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Ottawa County declares July "Veterans Month"; veterans services report spike in burial assistance
Summary
The Planning & Policy Committee approved a resolution declaring July Ottawa County Veterans Month and heard a health and human services update reporting year-to-date burial assistance rose from four to 19 cases and transportation requests doubled. Staff outlined July and September events and a new veterans job fair.
The Ottawa County Planning & Policy Committee voted June 10 to approve and forward to the board of commissioners a resolution designating July as "Ottawa County Veterans Month." The committee also heard a departmental update that said veterans burial assistance and transportation needs have risen this year.
The resolution, moved and presented during the meeting, states the county will work with local organizations and businesses to host outreach, educational programs and commemorative ceremonies in July and encourages residents to support veterans.
Veterans services staff told the committee year-to-date burial assistance increased from four last year to 19 this year; staff said about 95% of current cases involve Vietnam-era veterans. The department said transportation requests have doubled since last year, a sign that outreach has increased awareness of the county—s free rides to medical appointments. A county staff member said the department received five pallets of federal VA surplus supplies for its September stand-down and resource fair.
Events and services: Staff described several near-term events. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall will be in Holland on July 10, kicking off related activities including the Fishing with Veterans event. The department plans an Ottawa County veterans job fair on July 28 at the Fillmore Administration Building (Conference Room H), with roughly 15 employers signed up at the time of the meeting. The department also referenced its fall "stand down" and resource fair in September.
Property-tax exemption for veterans: Staff noted a state change this year: veterans no longer must reapply for property-tax exemption annually; the exemption remains until the veteran dies or sells the property, and a surviving spouse may be eligible.
Budget and needs: Committee discussion noted burial assistance funding is limited; one speaker said "$9,300 is not enough" to meet families— needs. Staff invited commissioners and community partners to help promote events and volunteer opportunities.
The resolution was approved by voice vote; the committee forwarded it to the board. Staff said they will circulate event details and posting information for the job fair and other July activities.
