Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veterans Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses options to staff Veteran Service Officer and transportation amid new state rules
Summary
Commissioners weighed hiring, intergovernmental agreements and temporary arrangements to maintain veterans transportation and services after state rules increased minimum hours and training requirements for VSO positions; staff will advertise and attempt a temporary county‑staff arrangement through February.
County staff briefed commissioners on difficulties recruiting a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) since new state rules require a 20‑hour minimum and training. The board discussed multiple staffing options, including contracting the role through Montezuma County under an IGA, sharing hours with the senior center, and hiring a county employee who could allocate part of their hours to VSO duties.
A county staff member summarized the grant support commonly associated with the VSO position: "If it's a 20 hour position, that's $14,000 a year," a commissioner noted during discussion. Commissioners explored short‑term solutions while continuing recruitment; one staff member agreed to cover VSO duties through February while the county advertises the position and coordinates with state contacts to expand outreach to retired veterans who may relocate. Commissioners emphasized transparent time‑tracking and billing if an employee splits hours between senior‑service transports and veteran services to avoid double‑billing.
The board asked staff to coordinate with the senior center, consider an IGA with Montezuma County if needed, and post a public job notice. Commissioners agreed to attempt a short trial of a combined‑hours approach and to report back on billing and reimbursement outcomes.
