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Veterans Service Commission asks for $3.203 million in 2026, cites growth in claims assistance and new transportation services
Summary
The Veterans Service Commission requested a $3.203 million 2026 appropriation to expand claims assistance, direct veteran relief and transportation; the director said the office has helped about 750 veterans this year and delivered $560,000 annually in federal benefits to county veterans.
Glenn Welling, director of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission, asked the Board of County Commissioners to approve a $3.203 million budget for 2026 and outlined program priorities that include claims assistance, direct financial relief and expanded transportation for veterans.
Welling said the commission has assisted nearly 750 veterans year to date and that monthly federal benefit payments flowing to veterans in Hamilton County total about $46,820 so far this year (roughly $560,000 annually). He described a new transportation program that added a second van and provided 154 rides since June, including transport for veterans being released from incarceration.
The request separates marketing/outreach from direct veteran relief and reduces certain event spending compared with previous years to prioritize financial assistance. Commissioners praised progress, asked for a year-over-year breakdown of spending and urged stronger partnerships with nonprofit and veteran-serving organizations to stretch funds and increase on-the-ground relief. Welling said he would supply year-over-year comparisons to the commission.
