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County to continue $30,000/year support for Lacey Veterans Services Hub; commissioners ask for budget review on possible increase
Summary
Thurston County staff proposed a two-year memorandum of understanding with the City of Lacey to continue $30,000 per year in county support for the Lacey Veterans Services Hub; commissioners asked staff to include the Veterans Fund in fall budget discussions and consult the Veterans Advisory Board on capacity and possible increases.
Thurston County public health staff asked the board to approve a memorandum of understanding with the City of Lacey that would continue county support for the Lacey Veterans Services Hub at $30,000 per year (total $60,000 for 2025–2026) drawn from the Veterans Assistance Fund.
Public Health Director Jen Freidheit explained the MOU would continue a partnership that began in 2017 and that city staff will continue to run the hub. Mark Moffett, who joined the discussion, said the hub has remained within the longstanding county–city partnership and that county contributions have remained at $30,000 annually despite rising operational costs. "We do, get demographics and income levels from each person that comes into the hub," Moffett said, and reported roughly 60% of visitors met the county's indigent-veteran eligibility criteria.
Commissioners asked staff to research whether the Veterans Assistance Fund can sustain an increased contribution and to consult with the Veterans Advisory Board. Multiple commissioners said they were supportive of reviewing additional funding during the fall budget process rather than making an ad hoc increase now. Staff said the city of Lacey is hiring a housed coordinator (moving from contractor to employee), and that the new coordinator's role would include pursuing additional partner contributions from jurisdictions and other providers.
The MOU for $60,000 across two years was recommended by staff to remain on the consent agenda for the June 17 meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with capacity and budget options during the regular budget review schedule.
