Commission Accepts Veterans Affairs Director's Resignation; Neighboring Counties to Provide Interim Coverage

David Scholl, a county commissioner who serves on the Veterans Affairs board, told the commission that Director Wilson announced his resignation and that Scholl accepted it over the weekend. "At our last meeting... Wilson announced that he was going to resign," Scholl said, and he reported speaking with neighboring county officials who agreed to provide interim coverage until a permanent director is hired.

Scholl said he contacted the district director in Casa County, Dan Lewandowski in Western Counties, and Claire Oliver, an administrator in Wright County; "all 3 of them said they are willing to help us out until we get a full time or a director," he told the board. Commissioners discussed whether to advertise the position as a director (preferably a veteran) or as an administrator to broaden the candidate pool. One commissioner noted that veterans preference rules could require offering preference to veteran applicants and suggested advertising both routes to ensure qualified applicants.

Chair (Speaker 1) moved and the board seconded a motion to accept Wilson's resignation and authorize the temporary arrangement with neighboring counties so veterans' services remain available to local residents. The motion passed on a voice vote.

The board instructed staff to post the vacancy publicly and follow up on interim logistics, including who will notify Wilson and how the interim help will be referenced to the public. No timetable for a permanent hire was set during the meeting; commissioners said they would advertise the position and return with candidates for consideration.