HomeMy WebLinkAbout039 15STATE OF WASHINGTON
County of Jefferson
In the Matter of Establishment of a } RESOLUTION NO. 39-15
Veterans Advisory Board }
WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Veterans Assistance Fund was established per RCW
73.08.080 to provide tax funds for the provision of emergency relief funding for indigent
veterans who have been residents of the State of Washington for at least one year, and their
dependents, to pay for certain short term, emergency assistance with food, shelter, utilities and
other necessities of life; and
WHEREAS, it is the position of Jefferson County that all veterans who have resided in
Jefferson County continuously for 6 months and have served our country honorably, deserve to
be treated equally and with respect, dignity, compassion and fairness; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County recognizes that the efficient disbursement of public funds
for indigent veterans and their dependents can only be accomplished with the cooperation of the
veterans organizations who draw on these funds; and,
WHEREAS, the various veterans' organizations of Jefferson County have consented to
establish the Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association to be the organization to
work with the County in the disbursement of these funds through a voucher system; and
WHEREAS, on January 3, 1994 the Board of County Commissioners of Jefferson
County adopted Ordinance 01-0103-94 authorizing the execution of an agreement between
Jefferson County and the Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association for the
disbursement of funds from the Jefferson County Veterans Assistance Fund; and
WHEREAS, RCW 73.08.035 requires that the legislative authority for each county
establish a Veterans Advisory Board and solicit representatives from either local branches of
nationally recognized veterans' service organizations or the veterans' community at large, or
both, to serve on the Board. No fewer than a majority of the board members shall be members
from nationally recognized veterans' service organizations and only veterans are eligible to serve
as board members.
Page 1 of 2
WHEREAS, The Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association met on
October 23, 2015 and unanimously voted in support of serving as the Jefferson County Veterans
Advisory Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners
does hereby establish a Jefferson County Veterans Advisory Board that is compromised of the
Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association members. The Jefferson County
Veterans Advisory Board §hall advise the County pursuant to RCW 73.08.035 on matters related
to local indigent veterans. The Jefferson County Veterans Advisory Board shall be subject to the
Open Public Meetings Act per Chapter 42.30 RCW.
APPROVED and ADOPTED this
SEAL., r +
j ..
ATTEST-
��azI�
� � 0
olyn A ry
Deputy Clerk of the Board
t d of I'k /'kV07'tY ,, 2015.
Phil Jbhnso`rf,,Member
Kathleen Kler, Member
Page 2 of 2
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Carolyn Avery, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: October 28, 2015
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION re: Establishment of a Veterans Advisory Board
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Jefferson County Veterans Assistance Fund was established per RCW 73.08.080 to provide
tax funds for the provision of emergency relief funding for indigent veterans who have been
residents of the State of Washington for at least one year, and their dependents, to pay for certain
short term, emergency assistance with food, shelter, utilities and other necessities of life.
It is the position of Jefferson County that all veterans who have resided in Jefferson County
continuously for 6 months and have served our country honorably, deserve to be treated equally
and with respect, dignity, compassion and fairness; and
On January 3, 1994 the Board of County Commissioners of Jefferson County adopted Ordinance
01-0103-94 authorizing the execution of an agreement between Jefferson County and the
Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association (See Attached) for the disbursement of
funds from the Jefferson County Veterans Assistance Fund.
RCW 73.08.035 requires that the legislative authority for each county establish a Veterans
Advisory Board and solicit representatives from either local branches of nationally recognized
veterans' service organizations or the veterans' community at large, or both, to serve on the
Board. No fewer than a majority of the board members shall be members from nationally
recognized veterans' service organizations and only veterans are eligible to serve as board
members.
Jefferson County's Veterans' Service Officers Association meets the requirements of a Veterans
Advisory Board. The proposed Resolution clarifies this fact and makes it transparent and clear to
the public that Jefferson County has fulfilled the requirement of RCW 73.08.035.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve RESOLUTION re: Establishment of a Veterans Advisory Board.
IE BY:
Philip Mor ey, unty Admin istr for Date
AGREEMENT
By and Between
JEFFERSON COUNTY
and the
JEFFERSON COUNTY VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
This AGREEMENT made and entered into this-i'�day of J��n-e— , 2009 by and
between Jefferson County, hereinafter referred to as "COUNTY, " a legal subdivision of the State of
Washington, and the various Veterans' Organizations of Jefferson County, who hereby recognize the
JEFFERSON COUNTY VETERANS' SERVICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, hereinafter known as the
"SDA, "a Washington State non-profit organization, to be the negotiating body for the purpose of setting
forth the conditions for dispersal of funds from the Jefferson County Veterans Assistance Fund for relief
to honorably discharged, indigent Veterans and their dependents.
SHB 1189, an act relating to Veterans' relief became effective July 24, 2005. This act amended RCW
73.08.0I0, 73.08.070, and 73.08.080, added new sections to Chapter 73.08 RCW, created a new section,
and repealed RCW 73.08.030, 73.08.040, 73.08.050. Sec. 1(2) of the act states that the Legislature
recognizes that ongoing Veterans' relief or assistance programs in some areas ofthe State have
provided meaningful assistance to indigent Veterans and family members_ The Legislature further
recognizes that Veterans'service organizations have traditionally been the initial point of contact jar
indigent veterans and family members seeking assistance. In recognition of these factors, the
Legislature intends to authorize, upon satisfaction ofcertain administrative requirements, existing
Veterans' relief or assistance programs to continue providing needed and effective assistance to
indigent veterans and their families.
PREAMBLE
The Jefferson County Commissioners and the Veterans Organizations agree that an efficient and
effective system to provide relief for indigent Veterans and their dependents is of primary importance.
Therefore, this AGREEMENT is established according to the articles set forth hereafter, and as provided
by the State of Washington's laws pertaining to Veterans.
L TERM OF AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT shall be in full force and effect from the date of signing and shall remain in effect
for ten (10) years. Revisions, changes or modifications may be proposed by the SOA or the COUNTY
in writing and must be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto before they will be effective.
Page I of 8
AGREEMENT: Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
IL SUBORDINATION OF AGREEMENT
It is understood that the parties hereto are governed by the provisions of applicable State laws and
County regulations. When provisions of State law and/or County regulations are therefore in conflict
with, or are different than, the provisions of the AGREEMENT, the provisions of State law or County
regulation are paramount and shall prevail.
III. HOLD HARMLESS
COUNTY shall defend, protect, hold harmless and indemnify the Veterans' Organizations and their
respective affiliates, agents, contractors, subcontractors, employees, officers, directors, and other
representatives as well as the SOA from and against all claims, suits, or actions arising from any services
or activities performed by them in furtherance of this Agreement.
IV. RECOGNITION OF NEGOTIATING BODY
The parties hereto recognize the SOA as the exclusive negotiating representative for the purpose of
implementing the AGREEMENT, per RCW 73.08. The SOA need not post a performance bond.
V. RECOGNITION OF THE SOA OFFICERS
The parties hereto agree that the SOA Officers will operate in accordance with the bylaws of the
organization.
VI. VETERANS' APPEALS BOARD
Two (2) members from the qualified and recognized Veterans organizations in the County will be
appointed to serve as the Veterans' Appeals Board (VAB).
VII. OPERATIONS OF THE SOA
The SOA members will be notified by the Clerk of the Board for the County Commissioners or designee
when a client calls for an appointment or if there are any applications to be reviewed, approved, and
vouchers to be issued.
A. The Commissioners' Office will provide a space for the SOA to review and approve each
application. A phone and necessary office equipment will be made available for their use.
B. A supply of vouchers will be kept secure in the Commissioners Office. A procedure will be
established for issuance of vouchers.
C. Service Officers may receive mileage reimbursement for travel to the Courthouse to meet with
applicants. They are required to submit their mileage on a signed Jefferson County Mileage
Form and attach a copy of proof of insurance. The County's mileage reimbursement is set at the
beginning of each year based on the current IRS rate. In order for a Service Officer to receive a
mileage reimbursement, the forms need to be submitted monthly.
Page 2 of 8
AGREEMENT: Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
VIII. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
A RCW Requirements:
Under the Revised Code of the State of Washington (RCW), all Veterans, their dependents,
widow(er)s and/or dependents are eligible for emergency assistance. Using the RCW as
guidelines the following are established as "Criteria for Assistance. " Lack of funds because of
bad management of an adequate source of income does NOT make the applicant indigent.
Persons with more than the merest income are usually helped on a one time basis only.
1. All Veterans as defined by RCW 41.04.007.
2. Veterans must be indigent as the term is defined by CH.73.08 RCW, unless the definition
of indigent is modified to widen eligibility by the County Commissioners as is permitted
by the 2005 amendments to Ch. 73.08RCW. The statute, as amended in 2005, establishes
three possible definitions of indigency, specifically the applicant is:
a) receiving public assistance, including but not limited to, public assistance, food
stamps or SSI
b) receiving a net income, i.e., after taxes, that does not exceed 200% of the current
federally established poverty level, or
c) unable to pay reasonable costs for shelter, food, utilities and transportation because
his or her available funds are insufficient.
3. Veterans must have been a continual resident of the State of Washington for a period of
one (I) year immediately prior to application and a resident of Jefferson County for six
(6) months prior to the time of application.
4. Veterans must be able to provide proof of identification (as to their identity and as to their
Veteran status) and documentation of eligibility of dependents in a manner consistent
with `B" below.
B. Required Documentation:
Veteran must show an original or certified copy of DD -214 or, if discharged prior 1950, a
Certificate of Discharge and a photocopy of such form must be attached to the application.
1. Discharge documentation must show Honorable Service (RCW 41.04.005), therefore,
only Veterans with an Honorable Discharge or a General (under Honorable Conditions)
are eligible for assistance.
2. Documents other than discharge certificates which give service dates and character of
service may be accepted in lieu of proper discharge papers only when they are issued by a
recognized agency, i.e. Veterans Administration, AMVETS Service Office, or application
for DD214. These documents are acceptable on a temporary basis only and must be
written on letterhead stationary from the issuing agency. The copy of application for a
DD214 can be used for one time only.
a) The applicant is to be told that assistance is on a temporary basis only and that further
assistance will require proper discharge documentation.
C. SOA Officers as Final Arbiter:
The SOA Officers are the final decision -makers as to whether a person is eligible for funds from
the Veterans' Assistance Program, subject to appeal to the Veterans' Appeals Board then a final
appeal may be made to the County Administrator,
Page 3 of 8
AGREEMENT: Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
IX. DEPENDENTS
Veterans must be able to provide proof of identification and documentation of eligibility of dependents
It is not the intent of the COUNTY or the SOA to make it difficult for an applicant to receive assistance,
however, it is essential that proper identification be submitted by the applicant to ensure that the person
being assisted is indeed the person whose name appears on the discharge documents.
If in doubt, the final determination of identification is the responsibility of the SOA.
X. POLICY FOR DISBURSING FUNDS
A. General Information:
All requests for funds require that a Veterans'Assistance Fund Application be filled out and
signed by the Veteran, widow/widower, or dependent.
Assistance to qualified applicants is provided by the SOA and Jefferson County primarily in
the form of direct relief to the vendor or the use of vouchers. Assistance may also be given
by the SOA through referrals, counseling, or by acting as a liaison for the applicant. A
Veteran or Veteran's widow, widower, dependent, or authorized person on behalf of
dependent shall be eligible to make application for assistance for emergency needs in general
limited to $1,500.00 per CALENDAR YEAR.
Monetary limits on all types of vouchers are detailed in the section with that heading. All
vouchers issued are classified into one of the following categories:
1. Food & Necessities 2. Rent 3. Utility 4. Medical 5. Miscellaneous
Expenses in excess of the amount written on the voucher are the responsibility of the
applicant. No cash, coupon, or credit of any type is to be given if purchase is less than the
amount written on the voucher, i.e., the Veteran cannot trade in all or a portion of the voucher
for cash, coupons, or credit.
1.0 Food:
There is no set number of times an applicant can receive assistance. However, vouchers
are intended for emergency use and requests for frequent assistance should be reviewed
carefully and the applicant reminded of the emergency nature of the fund.
I.I Food vouchers shall be issued for the maximum amount as follows:
Single Veteran = $ 150.00
Married Veteran = $200.00
Married Veteran with dependents = $200.00 plus $50 per dependent
1.2 The County will maintain a list of grocery vendors who will accept vouchers. The
Veteran will be given a choice of any of the grocers on the list. It is not intended nor
allowed for the Service Officers issuing the voucher to dictate that the applicant use
Page 4 of 8
AGREEMENT: Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
any particular store.
POLICY FOR DISBURSING FUNDS — Continued:
1.3 Food vouchers are issued for necessities only. The purchase of any alcohol or tobacco
products is prohibited. Sundries may be purchased, however, such purchases should be
for necessary items, i.e. paper products, toiletries, etc. Purchases of prohibited and/or
questionable items are to be documented in the Veteran's record. Upon a subsequent visit
the Veteran is to be questioned by the SOA representative regarding the purchase.
Repeated violations, after warnings, are considered adequate grounds for termination of
assistance. If the abuse is flagrant, a report is to be submitted to the County Prosecutor.
1.4 As one requirement for assistance is that the applicant be indigent, it is expected that the
applicant will have only limited funds available, therefore, evidence which indicated
excessive spending (generally $10.00 or 10% over the value of the voucher, whichever is
greater) will be considered a violation and dealt with accordingly.
1.5 Food vouchers may be issued to selected restaurants when a Veteran is handicapped
and/or a situation exists where it is not practical to issue a voucher to a grocery vendor.
2.0 Rent
Funds are used to assist a Veteran to remain in a domicile or to provide temporary shelter to
get a Veteran off the streets. While the rent assistance may be granted on a monthly basis, it
is usually given only once in any 12 month period. To receive rent assistance, an applicant
must provide proof of residency in the dwelling indicated. A rental agreement or
correspondence from the landlord is required. Rent is usually not paid to relatives of the
applicant. Rent must be past due and to prevent an eviction.
2.1 Rental assistance depends heavily upon the circumstances the applicant is in and upon the
interview held by the Service Officer. As many rental assistance requests as possible
should be thoroughly investigated.
2.2 Use of rent funds for rent deposits is allowed with a promissory note. Rental assistance
may be approved up to the maximum annual allotment. Further restrictions may apply, if
necessary, to keep amounts expended within budgetary limits.
3.0 Utilities:
3.1 Assistance is granted in the area of electricity, water, natural gas, fuel oil and firewood.
While utility assistance may be granted on a monthly basis, it is usually given only once a
year,
3.2 Utility assistance for natural gas, fuel oil, and wood is granted only on an extreme
emergency basis during the months of May through August, thus insuring an adequate
amount of funds are available for the colder winter months.
3.3 Assistance for electricity, water, and natural gas will require a late notice.
3.4 It is the responsibility of the SOA to maintain a liaison with the utility companies to
assure that the amount of assistance is adequate enough to prevent a shut-off. It is
considered expedient to assist only when it will prevent a shut-off.
Page 5 of 8
AGREEMENT: Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
POLICY FOR DISBURSING FUNDS — Continued:
3.5 A telephone, while considered a utility is generally not considered a necessity and does
not qualify for assistance. Exceptions are considered on a individual basis and are
restricted to situations where the telephone would be considered essential because of
medical problems, etc.
3.6 Use of utility funds to pay for deposits is not allowed. Restrictions on the amount granted
for utilities may apply, if necessary, to keep amounts expended within budgetary limits.
4.0 Medical:
Assistance is granted to aid qualified applicants for the purchase of medicine (prescriptions).
Usually assistance is granted on a one time basis for up to $100.00. However, in cases of
extreme medical need and indigence, medical assistance may be granted on a monthly basis.
Such cases are usually limited to assisting with an acute medical problem. The investigator
must be acutely aware of the requirements that the assistance be of an emergency nature.
4.1 Use of medical assistance to pay for overdue medicalldental expenses is not acceptable.
Exceptions must be approved by the SOA Officers,
4.2 Medical assistance not to exceed $1,000.00 may be used to pay for eye glasses, dental
work, or dentures with a Doctor's note or a prescription.
5.0 Miscellaneous:
All reasonable areas of assistance that cannot be classified as food, rent, utility or medical
will be classified as miscellaneous. Typical areas of miscellaneous assistance include travel
and clothing. There are restrictions on granting assistance for these items — see below.
B. Expenditures Not Eligible for Veterans Assistance Funds•
There are areas where Veterans' Assistance Funds cannot be used for assistance. These areas
include payment of fees or fines, automobile repair, school books, etc.
1.0 Travel expenses are limited to the expense of the applicant to perform necessary travel.
Currently travel funds are restricted exclusively to those who need assistance for medical
purposes. Assistance is granted either by purchasing a ticket for the applicant or by providing
a voucher to assure the applicant has an adequate amount of gasoline to perform travel.
2.0 Travel assistance forjob search is provided on a case by case basis.
3.0 Assistance for travel out of state is not provided. This includes out of state assistance to
attend funerals.
4.0 Clothing is limited to a minimal amount of specialized clothing required. For example,
should an indigent Veteran gain employment that requires special clothing that is not
available through normal relief channels, the SOA may assist the Veteran to obtain the
minimal amount of clothing required.
5.0 Determination of legitimacy of a request for miscellaneous funds in any area not specifically
mentioned above will be made by the SOA.
6.0 Up to $500.00 may be paid for funeral expenses related to the death of a Veteran, his spouse,
or dependent child up to 18 years of age. Reimbursement for funeral expenses may be paid
for up to one (1) year from the date of death.
Page 6 of 8
AGREEMENT: Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
POLICY FOR DISBURSING FUNDS — Continued:
7.0 In the case of a catastrophic emergency such as fire, flood or wind storm which damages a
Veteran's residence and/or possessions an individual member of the SOA is authorized to
render relief from the Veterans Assistance Fund as necessary to meet the immediate needs of
the Veteran. If the Veteran requests further assistance, the SOA will convene a special
meeting to review the request.
XI. APPEAL FOR FUNDS
A. Request for Funds Above Specified Limits, If a Veterans Organization or the SOA determines
that a situation exists which requires consideration of assistance in excess of the maximum
amounts set forth herein, an appeal may be made to the SOA Officers, and upon approval of the
Officers, additional funds may be disbursed.
B. Applicant Appeal: Any request for assistance that an applicant feels was not acted upon properly
by the SOA may be appealed to the Veterans' Appeals Board within fourteen (14) days of the
date the application is denied by the SOA.
XII. POST RENT
General Information:
RCW 73.04.080 authorizes post rent to be paid to nationally chattered Veterans' organizations provided
that the post is not purchasing property for which rent will be paid and the amount to be paid is $240.00
or the actual amount of rent paid, whichever is less. Said post is not renting from another post of the
same organization, i.e., post rent cannot be paid to a V.F.W. post renting a V.F.W. hall or an AMVETS
post renting from AMVETS, etc.
XIII. MONITORING THE COUNTY VETERANS ASSISTANCE FUND BALANCE
The SOA will work with the Clerk of the Board of Commissioners or designee in setting and monitoring
the annual budget for the Veterans Assistance Fund and the annual tax levy for the fund. A report of
expenditures and revenues will be forwarded to the SOA at least quarterly, or more frequently if
warranted. The Clerk of the Board or designees will work with the SOA to prepare a preliminary budget
of expenditures each year.
If the SOA determines that a change of any kind is required in the amount of taxes to be levied by the
County for the Veterans Assistance Fund, the SOA will submit a written recommendation for the levy
amount change to the Clerk of the Board for consideration by the County Commissioners during their
annual budget deliberations.
XIV. NO EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP
No person working or performing services for the SOA without compensation shall be considered an
employee or agent of the County and such persons shall not be entitled to any employment benefits a
County employee is entitled to.
Page 7 of 8
AGREEMENT: Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
XV. POST RELIEF FUNDS
If a Jefferson County Veterans Organization provides relief funds to a needy Veteran from the their own
Post Assistance Fund, they shall not receive any monies in return from the County Veterans Assistance
Fund.
XVI. REPEALER
This agreement repeals and replaces all previous agreements and agreement amendments with the SOA.
w n� Ah,s
Si. r r`
ATTEST'
this �22 a day of �&t(}'-C- 2009.
IJ
� U
Gtt�t P CACI
?lie Matthes, CMC
Deputy Clerk of the Board
JEFFERSON COUNTY
$OARD gy COMMISSIONERSDavid ulli�` an Chazrman
Phil Johnson, Member
JoYuin, Member
�gPROVE D AS FORM:
Deputy Prosecuting Attom
YFEON COUNTYVETERANS ORGANIZATIONS:
N LEGION 426 BRINNON VFW #10706
pi HADLOCK Q� VF 3
Page 8 of 8
Consent Agenda
Commissioners Office
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Raina Randall, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: August 27, 2012
SUBJECT: Jefferson County Veterans Service Officers Association Amendment No. 1
Agreement
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
The Jefferson County Veterans Officers Association would like to amend the residency requirements for their existing
contract for providing financial aide to veterans.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve and sign the agreement_
REVIEWED BY:
Jean atdwin, Interim County Administrator Date
Contract Amendment No. I
Agreement By and Between
Jefferson County Veterans' Service Officers Association
And
Jefferson County
WHEREAS, Jefferson County Veteran's Service Officers Association (SOA) and Jefferson County (County) entered into an
agreement on June 22, 2009 to be the negotiating body for purpose of setting forth conditions for dispersal of funds from the
Jefferson County Veterans Assistance Fund for relief to honorably discharged, indigent Veterans and their dependants.
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the terms of that agreement.
IT IS AGREED BETWEEN BOTH PARTIES AS NAMED HEREIN AS FOLLOWS:
The term of the above referenced agreement is changed for residency eligibility requirements and. shall read as
follows:
1. In order to be eligible a veteran must have been a resident of the State of Washington continuously for a
period of one year immediately prior to application and a resident of Jefferson County continuously for six
months prior to the time of application or, in the alternative, show definitive intent of establishing residency
by the purchase of real property or signing a rental agreement with a deposit combined with a change of
address to that address on their Washington State Drivers License or Washington State Valid Identification
Card.
2. All other terms and conditions of the agreement will remain the same.
Dated this Z.T444 day ofAU, 2012
COUNTY
BOARD
ATTEST:
�1� &A&P -0
Raina Randall Phil
Deputy Clerk of the Board
APPROVED A OFORM:
OOm� 441)2
Deputy Prosecuting Attor
David Alvarez
JEFFERSON COUNTY VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS:
AMER CAN LEGI x326 BRINNON VFW 1!10706
POR HADLOCK VFW 117498 QUILCENF. VFW #3213