HomeMy WebLinkAboutM072706Jefferson County
Service Officers Association
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
July 27, 2006
Service Officers present: Delmer Sayer, VFW 7498; Dick Wiltse, VFW 7014; Bill Wheeler, VFW 3213;
and Ken Gaul, VFW 10706
Chairman Delmer Sayer called the meeting to order at the appointed time.
Secretary/Treasurer Bill Wheeler reviewed the following revenue information for the Veterans Relief Fund
in 2006:
Beginning balance in January of $54,262
Revenue January through June of $25,776
Estimated revenue July through December of $20,000
He then reviewed the expenditures for 2006:
January through June expenditures of $19,384
Estimated expenditures July through December of $12,000
Estimated total expenditures for 2006 of $31,000
Currently there is $60,000 in the fund and if applications are received as anticipated there will be $68,000
in the fund in January, 2007. Bill stated that he is concerned about carrying over a high balance because
the County Commissioners have the option of reducing the Veteran's Assistance Fund levy for 2007.
Currently the fund is receiving the minimum amount according to the statute.
The Service Officers Association accepts applications for assistance from Veterans who are on public
assistance or disability. The funeral benefit is granted with the proper documentation no matter what the
income level. Wives and dependents (under 18 years or 23 years in college) are eligible for the $500
funeral benefit also. Veterans who make $14,700 or less a year ($20,000 or less if there are 2 people)
after income tax are also eligible for assistance. Funds can also be used for drug and alcohol
treatment programs for Vets or to help secure a bed in a shelter.
There was a discussion about the need to get the word out about the fund and acceptable criteria for
applicants and any other services that are provided. Several avenues were discussed including: contacting
the newspapers, making professional posters and brochures listing services, personally visiting service
organizations that deal with low income people in the County to let them know the services the fund can
provide, giving case worker training or doing a countywide mailing. The Service Officers agreed that
they need to increase their visibility.
There was also a discussion about paying for administrative support costs that the County Commissioners
staff provides. Within the last month, a Veterans Assistance page was added to the County's website and
it is hoped that this will increase the number of people seeking help from the fund. This may also
increase the amount of support time from County staff.
The Service Officers voted unanimously to have Chairman Sayer sign a letter to the Assessor requesting
the minimum millage rate per the RCW. This is the same millage rate that was levied in 2006. The
letter mentions an increase in funding for an outreach program this year.
MEETING ADJOURNED