Committee approves budget amendment to accept VA transportation grant for veteran rides

The Marathon County Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 7 approved a budget amendment to accept transportation grant funds awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to support veteran transportation to the VA clinic in Rothschild.

Staff told the committee the county applied with prior approval and was informed it will receive just under $3,500 for 2026. The money will be added to the CPC budget and coupled with existing 8521 funds to partner with North Central Healthcare to provide rides, with an initial focus on elderly veterans who cannot drive themselves.

Committee members discussed program sustainability and potential funding gaps. Staff said there is no definitive estimate yet and proposed conducting a survey to better understand veterans' transportation needs; they suggested an additional $5,000 to $10,000 would be helpful to expand services.

A staff speaker described the 2026 award year as a trial period to measure demand and determine what ongoing funding would be required, and said the department would seek additional grants and local donations if needed. The committee then moved and seconded a motion to approve the budget amendment; a voice vote was taken and the motion carried.

The amendment will be forwarded to the full County Board for consideration as part of the 2026 budget process.