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Story County Veterans Commission authorizes conditional HIRTA partnership, flags staffing shortfalls
Summary
The commission approved the director's conditional move to pursue a HIRTA no-cost transportation agreement pending legal and supervisors' approval, heard that 72 people were engaged at a Senior Expo, and continued calls for a second full-time VSO to address coverage gaps.
At its May 11, 2026 meeting, the Story County Commission of Veterans Affairs reviewed the director's report on service metrics, staffing and outreach, approved a conditional transportation arrangement with HIRTA, and continued discussion about hiring a second full-time Veterans Services Officer (VSO).
Director Zach Skelton reported metrics and outreach activity, noting a line in the minutes described as "-79% approval" and that many cases move through initial rejection to later approval. He told the commission staff met 72 people at the Senior Expo and that about 20 office calls were missed. Skelton warned that staffing challenges could leave veterans waiting for services when trained staff are not available.
The commission approved a motion (minutes record "board approved") authorizing the director to move forward with a HIRTA transportation no-cost agreement that would cover personal vehicle transportation and improve reporting and vehicle usage; approval was recorded as conditional on legal review and the county Supervisors' sign-off. The minutes do not list a mover, seconder or a roll-call vote for that authorization.
Under old business, commissioners continued a conversation about the need to hire a second full-time VSO to ensure outreach and office coverage during leave and service commitments. Skelton also reported that an administrative assistant, Denea, would begin on May 12. The minutes record two formal motions: approval of the previous meeting's minutes (moved by Nic Briseño, seconded by Luke Vance; "motion carried") and a motion to adjourn at 17:01 (moved by Nic Briseño, seconded by Luke Vance; "motion carried"). The minutes do not include vote tallies.
The commission set its next meeting for June 8, 2026, at 4 p.m. in Ames.
