County leans toward hiring full‑time veterans service officer instead of shared position with Yankton

Clay County commissioners discussed whether to share a veterans service officer with Yankton County or to hire a full‑time, in‑house officer to replace the departing incumbent.

Commissioners and staff said sharing the position would reduce local veterans’ access to a full suite of services because shared staffing would likely reduce on‑site availability. The meeting record shows commissioners leaned toward hiring in‑house, with a staff member noting a robust applicant pool and scheduled interviews for the vacancy next week.

Meeting participants referenced conversations with Yankton County’s veteran service officer, named in the discussion as Rob Stickney, who indicated willingness to provide outreach in Clay County, including attending community events. Commissioners and staff said collaboration for outreach is possible even if the county hires a full‑time employee.

Staff emphasized that half of Clay County residents receiving veterans services currently travel to Yankton County for full‑time services; commissioners said hiring locally would maintain full local coverage rather than shifting service demand to Yankton.

Ending

Clay County scheduled interviews for candidates next week and indicated a preference to hire a full‑time, in‑house veterans service officer to preserve service capacity. Staff will proceed with interviews and return hiring recommendations to commissioners.