Veterans director requests personnel reclassification; cites large VA benefit contribution

Tom Freeman, director of management services, gave commissioners a brief overview of the veterans service office and its FY27 budget. He said the office has three staff — two accredited service officers and one assistant — and serves veterans, surviving spouses and families in the county.

Freeman said his main ask was a reclassification: moving his assistant DSO to an expense position because of irregular hours and meetings with partner agencies. He said he submitted the request through HR but that HR told him it would not recommend the proposal. Brandy told Freeman she had not received the personnel request in time for her presentation and reminded the board of an HR submission deadline of 5 p.m. on May 18.

Freeman characterized the veterans office’s fee budget increases as modest and vendor-driven, listing utilities, software and advertising as drivers and quantifying the total increase at about $1,575.

Freeman also cited VA-related economic impact figures, saying the most recent VA statistics (which he noted lag about two years) showed disability pensions and survivor benefits contributed roughly $125,000,000 annually to the county; he separated that figure from health services. The figure was presented as a summary of VA data rather than as a budget line.

Commissioners had no further questions. Freeman concluded his telephone presentation and the chair thanked him before moving on; no votes or formal approvals occurred during the presentation.