Veterans service officer wins approval for temporary clerk amid rising caseload

The Hardin County Commissioners Court on April 28 authorized a temporary clerk position for the county veteran service office after the veteran service officer described a marked increase in caseload.

Veteran Service Officer Triskin White asked the court to create a temporary clerk position at a rate not to exceed $15.91 per hour and to amend the fiscal year 2026 budget by moving $2,459 from the salaries part‑time line into a new temporary salaries line. White said the office has seen increased demand — including clients coming from other counties — and offered to invite commissioners to observe the workload and evidence‑gathering process.

Commissioners discussed precedent: one commissioner expressed concern that similar past requests had been denied and warned that approving temporary positions could prompt more such requests from other department heads. White and other commissioners replied that prior temporary hires had been used when employees were absent for surgeries or extended leave and that, in this case, bringing a temporary clerk would ensure the office is not left without coverage.

A court member noted the temporary position would reduce costs in the short term because the department’s part‑time employee is not paid while out of the office. The judge said this request comes from within the department and the transfer funds are not from contingency. The court approved the temporary position for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The motion included language to create a new line item (010405107) for temporary salaries and to reallocate $2,459 from part‑time salaries. No long‑term staffing decision was finalized; the judge said the salary committee process could be revisited at budget time in June or July if commissioners seek broader review.