HomeMy WebLinkAboutM072601Jefferson County
Service Officers Association
MEETING MINUTES
July 26, 2001
Service Officers present: Don Buchman, VFW 10706; Bob Farr, VFW 7014; Lee Morgan, VFW
3213; and Delmer Sayer, VFW 7498; Pat Bowen, VFW 7498
Secretary/Treasurer Lee Morgan read the minutes from the February 1, 2001 meeting. The
Service Officers approved.
Food Vouchers: Chairman Bob Farr explained that it has been several years since
the amount for food vouchers was increased although the cost of food has gone up steadily. He
proposed that the amount for food vouchers be increased as follows:
Single — Increase from $75 to $100
Married — Increase from $100 to $150
Married with Children — Increase from $125 to $200
Pat Bowen moved to amend the Service Officers' Association agreement to increase the food
voucher amounts. Delmer Sayer seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
Bob Farr reported that he has received complaints from some Veterans about not being able to
buy toilet paper, dish soap, etc. because the vouchers specify "food." The Service Officers
agreed to fill out the food vouchers to specify "food & necessities."
Vision and Dental Expenses: At the last meeting, there was a discussion about
amending the Service Officers' Agreement to allow assistance for new glasses, dentures or other
dental work. The current agreement reads, "only in case of a dental emergency" or "if glasses
are broken or lost." This issue was tabled at that meeting until more research could be done.
After a discussion, it was agreed that the SOA would allow up to the total annual benefit for eye
glasses or dental work on a case by case basis. Lee Morgan moved to revise the agreement to
reflect the change. Don Buchman seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
Additional VA Benefits: The Service Officers agreed that in all cases when
Veterans ask for assistance, they should also be told to contact Delmer Sayer at VFW #7498 to
look into other benefits that may be available to them through the VA. This would also include
eye care and dental care. Delmer stated that he has a list of the benefits and he will send it to the
County Commissioners' Office to have staff make copies for all the Service Officers.
Jefferson County Service Officers Association
Meeting Minutes - July 26, 2001
Page: 2
Funeral Benefits: Since last year, the majority of the Veterans' Assistance
applications have been for funeral expenses. The maximum for this benefit is $500. There was a
discussion about how long after a person passed an application should be accepted. The
Service Officers agreed that they would accept applications for funeral benefits up to one year.
The current cost for cremation in Jefferson County is approximately $1,400. The SOA talked
about increasing the funeral benefit. Delmer Sayer stated that he thought the VA also offered a
$300 benefit. He volunteered to check into this and get back to the SOA with the information.
Rental Assistance: The Service Officers agreed to allow the maximum of $800
annually for rental assistance.
Service Officers Association Agreement: Chairman Bob Farr pointed out that this
agreement with Jefferson County is valid for 5 years. The last agreement was approved in 1998
and since then there have been several amendments due to increases in the cost of services. The
Service Officers concurred that a new contract be executed to incorporate the amendments that
have been done and the amendments that have been approved at this meeting. It was also agreed
that any future contract would only be for 2 years instead of 5 years.
2002 Budget; Millage Rate: The Service Officers agreed to request the
minimum amount that can be levied for the Veterans' Relief Fund according to the statute. This
amount is .01125. In the past few years they have agreed to less. However, increasing the
minimum annual amount and the funeral benefit for a Veteran or a Veteran's Widow has created
a substantial increase in the dollar amount per application. In the first 6 months of 2001, the fund
had expenditures of over $10,000, the majority of which were for funeral benefits. This trend
will probably continue. Pat Bowen moved to send a letter to the Assessor asking for an increase
in the millage rate. Delmer Sayer seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote.
MEETING ADJOURNED