Veterans Assistance Commission asks Iroquois County for $195,000 to repay loan, maintain services

Jennifer Ingram, who identified herself as representing veterans assistance, requested $195,000 for the Veterans Assistance Commission’s FY2027 budget, saying the amount would let the commission both operate and begin repaying a county loan. "Again, the VAC is asking for a 195,000," Ingram said, citing line items for salaries, office operating expenses, loan repayment and retirement.

Ingram referenced state law when framing the request: "According to the Military Veterans Assistance Act, 330 ILCS dash 45, it provides guidance and laws for how much the VAC ... can ask," and explained the commission used FY2025 county totals to calculate allowable percentages. She told the committee the VAC proposed repaying the loan at $3,000 per month from August through December 2026 and $2,500 per month beginning January 2027, so the budget would "start repaying the loan" while preserving operating funds.

Ingram also provided program impact figures as part of her justification: she said the VAC had aided veterans to the tune of about $4.8 million so far this year, $6.5 million last year and a cumulative $27,014,200.51 since 2015. Committee members asked clarifying questions about specific line items (phones, insurance, unemployment and other benefits). The presenter said some line-item differences reflected transitions to internet phone service and changes in workers' compensation and group-insurance rates.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the VAC request in the provided transcript segments. Staff and members asked for and exchanged clarifications about allowable levy percentages and the commission’s line-item breakdown; follow-up documentation or a formal appropriation action was not recorded in the available portion of the meeting.