County boosts veterans services budget; officer highlights VA mortgage and outreach work

Dunn County supervisors on June 26 approved a $2,063 adjustment to the Veterans Services budget after the veterans officer reported the county’s veteran population had increased, affecting funding thresholds.

Greg, the county’s veterans service officer, told the committee the change reflects the higher population figure used to compute state or federal allocations and that the increase was needed to align the office budget with service demand. Supervisor Steen moved approval and Supervisor Bishan seconded; the motion carried.

Greg reviewed recent outreach and training activities: participation in Memorial Day events, QPR suicide‑prevention refresher training, a regional housing summit and the state veterans service conference that provides continuing education for accredited service officers. He also said the office will participate in Department of Veterans Affairs listening sessions on mental‑health needs and stressed focusing on helping veterans rebuild purpose after life‑change events.

In an explainer to the committee, Greg outlined the VA home‑loan benefit, saying qualified veterans can borrow up to 100% of value without monthly private mortgage insurance and that the program helps veterans establish community roots. He encouraged veterans to work with local lenders and the veterans office for certificate‑of‑eligibility assistance and loan counseling.

No further budget changes were requested at the meeting; the board approved the adjustment and Greg said the office did not anticipate broader budget shortfalls for the year.