Swannack takes over for Largent, county looks at Veterans Relief Fund

COLFAX — The Board of County Commissioners met for their regular board meeting for the first time in the 2024 new year on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

For the 2024 year, the committee assignments were updated, with Commissioner Art Swannack taking over the position of Chair of the Board from Commissioner Michael Largent. “Normally, every year, we elect a new chair,” Swannack said, noting that Commissioner Tom Handy is now the Vice Chair.

The Commissioners discussed Veterans Relief Fund policy, procedures, and form updates in other business.

According to the adopted budget for 2024, funds in the Veterans Relief Fund come to a total expense of $160,500. Records show, the 2023 adopted budget was at a total expense of $145,500.

“The veterans relief fund is part of the tax everybody pays, a property tax,” Swannack said, noting that it helps pay for indigent veterans who may need help with housing or paying bills, as well as the Veterans service officer. “Veterans who have earned the benefits, we’re just helping them when they are in times of need,” he said.

Swannack said that in the meeting, they were updating the policy to how much needed to be paid out and updating forms they didn’t have before the processing and claims. “Just trying to square things away, so it was easier to get done,” he said.

After the board unanimously approved the updates, 2024 county dues were approved, and a notice for small works roster vendors, contractors, and consultants was approved.

Correspondence and pending list were approved, after which the meeting was adjourned for commissioners to sign documents.

The county commissioners’ next meeting will be Monday, Jan. 8.