Washington County Board adopts Resolution 26-14 to support Home Base Iowa for veterans

The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on May 19, 2026, to adopt Resolution 26-14, formally declaring support for the Home Base Iowa initiative and directing county staff to pursue designation as a Home Base Iowa community.

The move, made at the Orchard Hill meeting and carried on a motion by Chairperson Jack Seward, Jr. and seconded by Supervisor Richard Young, aligns the county with a statewide program designed to link military veterans and service members with local employment opportunities. Presenters Terry Philips, Carrie Rich and Darren Dennler described the program and its local implementation steps.

"The cost to the county involves the purchase and installation of road signs for the program at $83.10 per sign with possibly six signs being placed," the presenters said, noting that any additional budget impacts would be addressed by the Board as needs arise. The resolution authorizes county staff to work with Iowa Workforce Development and Home Base Iowa to complete designation and to promote veteran-friendly initiatives.

Resolution 26-14 declares Washington County's intent to support workforce development tied to veteran employment and takes effect immediately upon adoption. The Board did not commit to a specific number of signs in the motion; presenters identified up to six signs as a potential installation and said the county will consider budget requests as they come forward.

The adoption formalizes an administrative commitment rather than funding a specific program line item; further budget approvals will be required for any expenditures. Next procedural steps are for county staff to begin the designation process with Home Base Iowa and Iowa Workforce Development and to return to the Board if and when budget authorization for signage or other expenses is requested.