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Veteran services director asks for modest increases for equipment, training amid rising caseloads
Summary
Joseph McDermott, the county's veteran services director, asked the Board to add small amounts to next year's budget for copier lease, computer replacements and staff training, saying his office is seeing steady growth in new clients and certification backlogs at the VA.
Joseph McDermott, who identified himself as the director of veteran services and asked to be called "Mac," told the Board the department is asking for modest additions to next year's budget to cover routine equipment and training costs.
"I'm asking you for just an additional $90" for a copier lease and roughly "$10,025" for computer replacements tied to four staff, McDermott said, adding a request for an extra $2,000 to cover training and certification costs for a new service officer who cannot sign claims until the VA completes certification.
McDermott described a small office that handles an average of about six client appointments per day and said staff effort produces outsized returns for local veterans. He told commissioners that 2024 VA figures showed a large year‑over‑year increase—"about a $32,000,000 increase" from 2023 after the VA began reporting DIC and widow pension claims differently—boosting the dollars flowing to county veterans but also increasing workload.
Board members praised the office for careful stewardship and effectiveness despite its small size. The chair noted veteran services is funded within the general fund's economic environment section and said staff would monitor items with low reserves.
Next steps: McDermott's requests were entered into the FY27 budget discussions; no formal decisions or votes were taken at the hearing stage.
