Stephenson County’s Finance Committee on Nov. 7 approved a one‑time allocation of $75,000 to the Veterans Assistance Commission and directed staff to return $65,000 to the Highway Department’s levy allocation, a compromise after public testimony and budget debate.

Jake Wagner, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission, told the committee his request for a $140,000 increase was driven by “the replacement of an aging transportation vehicle, including converting our side loading handicap van…to a safer more efficient rear‑loading base,” and by increased demand for general and emergency assistance. Wagner cited the Military Veterans Assistance Act and county code in asking the county to fund the need.

Adrian, the county’s finance director, told the committee staff had modeled a $140,000 increase into the levy restructuring to reach the commission’s requested ‘maximum rate.’ “The VAC is an increase of a 140,000 at this point,” Adrian said during the review of the VAC financials and the proposed levy structure.

Committee members debated multiple options: grant the full $140,000, deny the request, or split the difference to protect other levies and reserves. Several members raised that the VAC holds cash reserves and certificates of deposit; one member noted the VAC reported approximately $283,000 in two money‑market accounts and cautioned about repeatedly increasing levies while reserves remain. The VAC’s representatives said some reserves are held as a fallback to cover uncertain service demand and higher operating costs.

After debate the committee approved a motion to allocate $75,000 to the VAC and to restore $65,000 to the Highway Department levy allocation. The chair announced the motion carried; the record shows one opposing vote.

The committee and VAC representatives also discussed the VAC’s practice of using CDs as contingency funds and the agency’s plan to return to the board for future requests if necessary. Committee members asked the VAC to provide monthly, itemized expenditure reports going forward.

The allocation was handled as a budget adjustment within the committee’s final revenue and levy recommendations for 2026.