Rules committee clarifies ordinance moving county veteran services officer to Department of Disability and Aging Services

The Rules Committee on Sept. 12 approved an amendment and forwarded to the full Board an ordinance to place the county veteran services officer under the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) rather than Administrative Services.

Bill Barnes, speaking on behalf of Supervisor Safae, described the change as a cleanup reflecting how services have been provided since departmental reorganization. The ordinance also clarifies who provides administrative support to the Veterans Affairs Commission.

Chair Peskin urged removing language that would authorize the officer to "purchase or lease real property," saying the realistic plan was to lease space at the War Memorial and that the word "purchase" would create overly broad authority. Deputy City Attorney Anne Pearson said the "purchase" language was distinct from other appropriations language but acceptable as a policy choice. The committee voted to strike the words "purchase or," thereby limiting the authority to seek to lease real property; the item as amended was forwarded to the full board with a positive recommendation.

Public commenters, including advocates and veterans, mostly supported the reorganization and urged the committee to preserve veteran access to services.