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Story County Veterans Commission hears staffing and outreach strains, approves minutes
Summary
At its April 13 meeting in Ames, the Story County Veterans Commission heard that office staffing gaps are affecting in‑office coverage even as outreach continues; commissioners agreed to begin time tracking. The body approved previous minutes and adjourned.
The Story County Veterans Commission met April 13, 2026, at 4:01 p.m. in Ames to review operations, staffing, outreach and a brief budget item. Director Zack Skelton reported the office is averaging about 15 to 20 people served per week and that his annual evaluation is in process.
The commission focused on balancing outreach with in‑office casework after staff reported uneven coverage. "Administrative positions are being filled," Skelton said during the director's report, "but the office is not having consistent coverage due to lack of staff hours available." Commissioners agreed to begin tracking staff time to measure in‑office coverage versus event outreach and veteran needs; a HomeBase Iowa conversation is scheduled for next month to continue that discussion.
Under activities, the commission discussed a legislative update and raised a concern that a proposed incentive program to increase VSO productivity does not account for Guard and Reserve members who may never qualify for VA benefits, which could affect productivity metrics. The meeting record identifies the incentive‑program concern as part of the director's report.
On budget matters, staff said one rental assistance payment of $700 was processed. The commission also noted that gift cards funded by a donation from the County Legion Auxiliary, which has disbanded, are available for veterans.
Training plans were reviewed: Erin Rewerts, county veterans service officer, will attend IDVA training in April; Skelton and Rewerts will attend IACVS training with class choices intended to meet local needs. Outreach items included a Senior Expo on May 8 and a ruck hosted April 7 by an ISU military‑affiliated student group, at which one veteran was serviced and is now receiving VA assistance; the date for the "Franks 4 Service" event has not yet been set.
The commission approved the previous meeting minutes on a motion from Commissioner Doug Sargent, seconded by Commissioner Jeremy Thede. A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Nic Briseño, seconded by Commissioner Doug Sargent; the meeting adjourned at 5:28 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at 126 S. Kellogg, Suite 001 in Ames.
