Veterans services asks for receptionist and accessible van as caseload and benefits grow

Randolph County veterans services staff asked county commissioners Thursday to add a full-time receptionist and to approve a handicap-accessible van to support outreach and transportation for veterans.

Elizabeth (last name not provided), a veterans services official, told the board that walk-in assistance has increased and that accredited veteran service officers (VSOs) are spending significant time on front-desk duties. “The receptionist isn’t about expanding. It’s about making our current operation functional,” she said, explaining that offloading front-desk work would let VSOs focus on claims, appeals and other technical work.

The presenter said the office returned an estimated $60,000,000 in VA disability compensation to Randolph County veterans (figure presented as the amount of disability compensation associated with veterans in the county) and that more than 99 percent of the veterans served are county residents. Staff also described a 3 percent increase in walk-in assistance from 2021 to 2024 and an increase in higher-rated disability awards.

The office requested the receptionist because recent interns did not stay, staff shortages left only one person in the office during absences, and the added duties from a new Veterans Treatment Court will further strain capacity. Presenters also said none of the current VSOs take county health insurance (they use VA or TRICARE), which affects the county cost calculus for adding a receptionist.

On transportation, staff said the handicap-accessible van would reduce reliance on personal vehicles to transport veterans and would support events and VA appointments.

Ending: Commissioners heard the request and asked follow-up questions about caseload and funding; no appropriation was recorded at the meeting.