Douglas County accepts multiple veterans donations and authorizes purchase of replacement van

Douglas County commissioners approved a series of donation resolutions for veterans services and authorized staff to proceed with purchasing a replacement veterans van after the previous van was totaled in a rear-end collision.

Jake (veterans program presenter) described multiple donations: a $100 donation from Joseph Erbers to engrave a name on Veterans Memorial Park; an $8,336 gift from the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard to be placed in a rollover account for park maintenance; a $1,500 donation from Mr. Hague for veterans in need; and a $500 donation from Mr. Adams toward a new vehicle. The board approved the corresponding resolutions by roll call.

On the vehicle, Jake said insurance paid roughly $7,100 for the totaled van and staff obtained a quote of $31,267 for a GMC Terrain, which was preferred for its all-wheel-drive capability and comfort. Jake reported $12,500 in unsolicited donations received so far and additional pledges, noting a separate private $10,000 contribution is expected. He said the office has been told it cannot actively solicit donations, so the gifts were unsolicited.

A motion to allow purchase of the vehicle carried by roll call. Commissioners directed staff to continue collecting donations to offset the purchase price and to report back with final funding details at the next meeting.

The board also approved establishing a rollover account for Veterans Memorial Park to consolidate maintenance funds, with county staff and finance staff to implement the bookkeeping changes.