Marion County backs Home Base Iowa, limits signage to main IDOT roads

The Marion County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-62 on May 12, 2026, proclaiming the county’s support for the Home Base Iowa (HBI) program, which aims to connect veterans, service members and their families to jobs and community resources.

The board discussed HBI with Marion County Veterans Affairs Director Rob Bandstra and program representative Robert Haege. Haege said he preferred a semi-annual report on community activities related to HBI but stated there were no mandatory reporting requirements; the county will receive a formal report that more clearly defines which activities, if any, should be submitted for impact tracking.

Supervisors said they supported the program’s goals but wanted to limit physical signage. The board’s consensus was to place Home Base Iowa signage only on main Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) roads rather than county or local streets.

Resolution 2026-62 encourages Marion County businesses and educational institutions to participate as HBI-certified partners, invites community support for the governor’s challenge to reduce veteran suicide, and directs the Board, County Auditor and County Veterans Affairs Director to take further action necessary to implement the resolution. The resolution also states the community shall, at a minimum, provide semi-annual reports to the Office of Veteran Workforce Services or the HBI Program Manager.

The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Jim Mueller and seconded by Steve McCombs; the board voted Ayes: McCombs, Jahner, Mueller; Nays: none. County officials said the next step is receipt of the formal HBI report clarifying reportable activities and any future work on signage placement.