08-11-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 11, 2008 3405 Mr. Vanyo asked for case numbers to help justify a new position. He asked if the position is not approved, what will happen to the office. Mr. Brent said he will continue to make sure the mission of the department is accomplished, but an additional employee would help to alleviate the stress and work load. Mr. Bennett said case loads have increased and he supports the additional employee and feels the employee is necessary for their department. Mr. Pawluk said Mr. Brent exemplifies what a veteran service officer should be; however, he listed five or six other organizations that provide the same service to veterans as the Veterans Service Office. He suggested a better use of Mr. Brent's time may be to work with these other organizations to help veterans receive the services they may need. The 2009 budget request increased by 33% from last year and he has a difficult time supporting such an increase. Mr. Wagner said over the last seven years, the commission has doubled the staff in this office and has recognized the space issues of their department. He believes the county has been generous to the Veterans Service Office over the last few years. Mrs. Sorum said the county has been good stewards of the taxpayer dollar and feels the county owes it to the veterans to support the new position. Mr. Vanyo does not support a new employee as a priority for 2009. He asked Mr. Brent to include the number of cases their office handles in future information submitted to the commission. MOTION, passed Mr. Vanyo moved and Mr. Wagner seconded to remove $51,045 for one full-time veteran service representative. On roll call vote, the motion carried with three members voting "Yes" and Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Sorum voting "No". MOTION, failed Mr. Bennett moved and Mrs. Sorum seconded to approve one half- time position for the Veterans Service Office. Discussion: Mr. Bennett is concerned about the effect on benefits received by veterans if the office does not receive additional help. Mr. Vanyo has received calls from citizens with concerns about other departments but never any complaints about veterans not receiving services through the Cass County Veterans Service Office. Mr. Wagner said staff has doubled in the last seven years and the commission does care about veterans. On roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Sorum voting "Yes" and Mr. Vanyo, Mr. Wagner, and Mr. Pawluk voting "No". Mr. Vanyo asked about $8,449 budgeted for office equipment and whether this may be reduced because the additional employee was removed. Mr. Brent said about $2,000 was for the new employee.