Commissioners, VSC discuss 2013 budget, related issues

The Highland County Board of Commissioners and the Highland County Veterans Services Commission met Wednesday in order to discuss the VSC's proposed 2013 budget.

VSC board president Ray Alexander asked if the meeting was scheduled to be the "official hearing" for the budget. Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins, who provides legal counsel to both the VSC and county commissioners, answered "No."

Commission President Shane Wilkin then addressed the VSC board members in attendance and VSC Director Robin Brown, explaining that the meeting was called to clarify some issues between the two agencies that have come to light following the May resignation of former VSC board president Richard Kisamore, in which Kisamore alleged, "Highland County Veterans Service Commission has an adverse interest with the Highland County Commissioners' Office."

VSC Director Robin Brown has previously referenced an alleged "gentlemen's agreement" regarding the VSC budgets in the past. According to Brown, past practices have reduced potential funds for the VSC by more than $800,000 over the past five years.

Wilkin asked all VSC members present: "Is there any Veterans Service board member who is aware of a gentlemen's agreement?"

"I don't know of any agreements," Alexander said.

"That statement was given to me by (VSC board member) Kevin Barreras," Brown said. Barreras was not in attendance at the June 27 meeting.

Wilkin then asked Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley if he were aware of any agreements.

"I've been here 21 years and I've never heard of it," Fawley said.

"I think that can be laid to rest," Wilkin said.

"To clarify, I'm not speaking for Tom or Jeremy (Commissioners Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer)," Wilkin said. "This is my personal opinion. I can attest that since 2009, when we got in the budget process, your budget is the only budget that's never been reduced. What was asked was appropriated."

Collins then addressed Kisamore's letter of resignation, in which he also requested outside legal counsel for the VSC.

"The law requires the client in question to first have conversation with current counsel," Collins said. "(Until the letter of request for outside counsel) I had no idea there was a conflict. Budgetary matters are not grounds for special counsel. I called Mike Moses (an attorney requested by Kisamore) and told him it was unethical to give advice (to Kisamore or the VSC) when it's a client of mine."

Wilkin went on to explain that the 2013 VSC budget does not have to be approved today.

"We have to have a hearing by Oct. 1," Brown said. "If you don't finish before Sept. 30, how's that going to work?"

"We've never had a problem in the past," Wilkin said.

"I don't know that there's ever been a request for a hearing," Fawley said.

Wilkin said the VSC budget proposal calls for an increase of $88,000 from 2012 levels. "An $88,000 increase is pretty substantial. That's not to say veterans have not earned the services. But when we look at $180,000 in 2011 and $305,000 for 2013, that's a drastic increase.

"I'm not sure if we are underserving or overfunding," Wilkin said, "but we want to address the needs of as many veterans as we can. I don't think you'll see any pushback (on the 2013 budget) unless an inordinate amount of money is not going to veterans services. It's a work in progress. We look forward to working with the board as we always have in the past."

"I can't answer for past practices," Brown said. "There are a lot of services we need to provide for veterans. Mr. Horst told me verbatim 'I'm so glad you're on board. My wife works for a congressman and we're always hearing concerns that our veterans are underserved.'

According to Brown, transportation and outreach services are paramount to local veterans' needs. Indigent burial funds, in the past, were not placed in a required line item in the VSC budget, the director said.

"I've had two burials this week for indigent veterans," she said.

Wilkin said while he can appreciate the VSC request, "If Judge (Kevin) Greer submits a budget with an increase of $88,000, I'm going to say, 'What's going on?'" Wilkin said.

Wilkin said that many county department heads have turned funds back to the general fund.

Shaffer said he doesn't have a problem with funding the VSC budget to the .5 mills as proposed, "It was just the sticker shock of the initial increase. We'll have to wait until September to see what .5 mills will get us."

Commissioners also asked the VSC board if they want to remain in their North High Street office.

Alexander said they want out of the building.

Wilkin then proposed the two offices get together and look for a better location.

"It's in the county's best interest not to be in that building through next winter," Horst said.

In other business, following the meeting with the VSC board:

• Highland County EMA met with commissioners regarding its budget.

The EMA was seeking an additional $10,000 in funding for the agency in order to cover pending expenses.

"The rent money and $10,000 will get us through the end of the year," Dave Manning told commissioners.

"How soon do you need an answer on the $10,000?" Shaffer asked.

"As long as we have money to cover salaries, next quarter is OK," Manning said.

Auditor Bill Fawley said payroll has to be in on Wednesday afternoon. Next Wednesday is the Fourth of July.

"Maybe do part of it (the $10,000) now?" Fawley asked.

Commissioners agreed by a 3-0 vote to approve a $5,000 transfer from the miscellaneous fund to EMA.

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• After the EMA meeting, Commissioner Wilkin excused himself to attend a meeting in Pike County regarding the tobacco foundation grants.

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Commissioners Horst and Shaffer approved resolutions as submitted. They also met with County Engineer Dean Otworth for opening of bids on Concord Road and Dickey Lane projects.