At the Nov. 20 meeting Mahesh Sharma presented an update on Scott County's participation in the Home-Based Iowa initiative and said the county will release $1,500 from the program to support a recent veteran applicant. "We are going to give a green light and release $1,500," Sharma said.

Sharma said Scott County first adopted the program with a resolution in 2017 and again in 2021, and that initial local funding ($25,000) had been exhausted and replenished with another $25,000. He asked Lori to explain how the program operates; Lori said the initiative began as a state effort under Gov. Terry Branstad and Major General Tim Orr to encourage veterans to live and work in Iowa. The county's chamber of commerce manages the incentive funds and the county refers veterans to the chamber or state resources when applicants qualify.

Lori told the board that 20 veterans have used the program to relocate to Scott County to date. She also described an improvement at the county veterans office: hiring a part-time assistant, Wade, has reduced wait times. "Prior to July 1, we had a six-week wait time to get an appointment to see Ben. Now he can see people who walk in the office today or tomorrow," Lori said.

Why it matters: Local incentives and more-accessible veterans services can affect veterans'housing and employment decisions and reduce barriers to accessing benefits and supports. The board did not adopt a policy change at the meeting; Sharma characterized the item as an administrative release of funds and an informational briefing on services.

Next steps: Staff said they will prepare additional written information on the program at the board's request and return if the board wants more detail or a policy decision.