Veteran service officer reports surge in retro payments and staffing concerns

Jay, the county veteran service officer, reported to the Codington County Board of Commissioners on June 4 that his office is handling 133 open claims and 45 pending actions and that year‑to‑date retro payments total $464,999. "We're on pace to do about a — about a million retro like we did last couple years," he said, describing heavy retro activity.

Jay said the office recorded an increase of $22,362 for the month of May and noted retro payments for the month were recorded in the packet; the transcript contains some truncated figures. He also said the office is processing claims from outside the county and has completed work on several cases this year.

On transportation, Jay said two veterans used the DAV vehicle in May and one is scheduled for June, and he expects the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Transportation System (VTS) overhaul could reduce dependence on the county vehicle. He warned the county is recruiting AV vehicle drivers because several drivers are retiring and the office is down to three drivers.

Jay described outreach and staff matters: he and a colleague attended a Kiwanis Club outreach event on June 1 and plan additional outreach in Edgewood and Estaine. He said budget worksheets have been submitted to the county auditor and that he and Eric will attend required training in September. Jay also asked the board to consider an early office move if the landlord leases the current space before the contract expiration (Sept. 1).

The board had no formal questions recorded and thanked Jay for the update. The report will be reflected in the county’s monthly reports package.