Goodhue County commissioners voted to transfer the county’s veteran ride program to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and set transition dates to manage the handoff.

A veteran service officer (Speaker 5) told the board the county provided rides to 149 unique veterans in the last year and estimated roughly 600–700 total rides for those individuals. To allow an orderly transition the officer recommended stopping acceptance of new ride requests on Dec. 1 and ceasing to provide rides after Jan. 1; rides already requested into January would be coordinated with the DAV via direct handoffs and phone outreach to affected veterans.

Commissioners asked whether staff would continue to call and assist veterans in contacting the DAV during the transition; the officer said staff would provide personal outreach and written information to each veteran on the list so they understand how to request rides from the DAV. Commissioners acknowledged some veterans will react strongly to the change but said the DAV currently provides ride services across counties and that the goal is to ensure veterans continue to be able to access transportation to appointments.

The board moved to confirm the transfer to the DAV and approved the dates recommended by the veteran service officer (stop accepting new rides after Dec. 1; no rides provided by the county after Jan. 1). The motion carried by voice vote.

The county will provide veterans with phone numbers and a direct handoff process and the personnel involved said they will monitor feedback and reconsider if the handoff does not maintain adequate service levels.