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Veterans service office reports growing caseload; state law expanding veteran exemptions will increase workload
Summary
Lincoln County Veteran Service Officer Thomas Gann reported rising caseload volumes, emergency aid and gift‑card programs, and recent state legislation that will expand vehicle/driver fee exemptions for service‑connected disabled veterans starting in January, which the office said will create additional administrative work.
Thomas Gann, Lincoln County veteran service officer, and Melissa Spading presented the department’s quarterly report to the board on Aug. 18, describing rising communications and financial assistance provided to veterans and families.
Gann said his office recorded 5,529 communications (calls and other contacts) through August and that if that pace continues the office would handle roughly 8,000–9,000 communications for the year. He provided a year‑to‑date tally: the office assisted 77 veterans through Nebraska Veterans Aid totaling $210,842; county aid assisted 9 veterans with $5,655.84. The office also tracks small emergency gift cards provided by local veterans groups and clubs; gift cards are logged per veteran for accountability.
Gann briefed commissioners on recent state legislation (identified in the meeting as "LB 650") that will make veterans with a service‑connected disability eligible for certain vehicle fee or driver license exemptions. The law, Gann said, covers service‑connected disability ratings beginning at 0% and will take effect in January; county staff expect the change to generate substantial additional foot traffic and phone calls as veterans seek verification and the county coordinates eligibility with state systems. Gann said the counties will likely need to verify eligibility and work with the treasurer to integrate eligibility into a state system.
Commissioners praised staff work. Gann highlighted a recent case in which Melissa Spading located records that led to a one‑time payment of about $94,000 to a veteran’s family. Commissioners and staff said they will coordinate with the state treasurer and NACO to clarify implementation before January.
The board accepted the report; staff will follow up on interagency procedures for implementing the state law and report back.
