Okaloosa County BOCC — July 29, 2014 — 3-3 Veteran Services — reading text

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA SERVICE AREA: ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: VETERANS SERVICES PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: To advise, assist and council veterans and their dependents in obtaining maximum benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs which they are entitled as a result of their military service. REVENUE: Veterans Services is funded within the General Fund. Supporting revenue of the General Fund are ad valorem taxes, communications service tax, local business tax, permits and fees, state shared revenue, charges for services, judgments and fines, miscellaneous revenue and transfers from other funds. EXPENDITURES: Expenditures Budget FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 Category Actual $ Actual $ Original $ Approved $ Personal Services 129,945 132,552 143,065 153,672 Operating Expenses 9,647 9,085 8,651 8,276 Capital Outlay 0 0 0 5,500 Other 0 0 0 0 Total 139,592 141,637 151,716 167,448 HISTORICAL STAFFING SUMMARY: Category FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 Full-time 3 3 3 3 Part-Time 0 0 0 0 Relief 0 0 0 0 Total 3 3 3 3 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR:  Updated office procedures to ensure services offered maximized use of available personnel, especially during months of staff shortage. The use of technology to access Dept of Veterans Affairs records played a major role in meeting the needs of those we serve.  Increased the number of ready to-rate claims filed with the Dept of Veterans Affairs on behalf of area veterans and other claimants by 90% over the previous year.  Provide timely response to requests from the County Property Appraisals Office for verification of the “combat” status of Disabled Veterans for homestead exemption purposes.  Interfaced with the Okaloosa County Inmate Population Manager, Okaloosa County Vet Court’s Coordinator and the VA’s Justice Outreach Coordinator to provide appropriate assistance to eligible incarcerated veterans for Veteran’s Court and other VA specific programs.  Created a symbiotic relationship with other local VA and State Agencies to ensure all client needs are met in a timely manner.  Enhanced outreach procedures by improving training and workshops with Assisted Living Facilities, Health and Rehabilitation Facilities (Nursing Homes) and Home Health Care Agencies Staff. These procedures ensure that timely claims are filed to obtain financial assistance for those who qualify.  Scheduled and coordinated transportation for 195 veterans to the Pensacola VA Medical Facility. This program is successful due to coordination with volunteer van drivers. PROGRAM GOAL: The Okaloosa County Veterans Affairs Department is to assist all former, present and future members of the United States Armed Forces and their dependents in preparing claims for and securing compensation, pension, educational and other benefits or privileges to which they may be entitled under Federal and State Laws or Regulations by reason of their military service. The offices coordinate and disseminate information on federal, state, county and private veterans’ programs and benefits. KEY OBJECTIVES:  To effectively and efficiently respond to all client requests  Serve all veterans/dependents including shut-ins, assisted care facilities, incarcerated & homeless veterans  To maintain an acceptable dollar return to the County from claims submitted for Federal and State benefits  Maintain client support and ensure critical needs are met  PERFORMANCE MEASURES: Actual Estimated Adopted Performance Measures FY 12/13 FY 13/14 FY 14/15 Number of Full-Time Positions 3 3 3 Input Personnel Services 129,409 143,065 Operating Expenditures 9,859 8,651 2 Number of Client Contacts (in-offices, phones, email) 9,209 8000 10,000 Number of outreach contacts including shut-ins, assisted Output care facilities, incarcerated, homeless veterans & veteran 230 110 250 briefings Number of Veterans in Okaloosa County1 31,890 32,208 32,468 Percentage of claims filed in office with one-on-one 96% 98% 98% counseling with veterans and/or dependents Efficiency Percentage of claims filed with one-on-one counseling 3% 1% 1.5% though outreach visits Percentage of claims initiated via other means (mail, fax, 1% 1% .5% computer) Effectivenes Client award for approved claims $8,405,000 $8,000,000 $ 9,500,000 Days for outreach 53 35 50 *NOTE: 1Veteran population estimates, as of September 30, 2013, are produced by the VA Office of the Actuary (VetPop 2011). 2Anticipated reduction in numbers anticipated due to Staff shortage for 8 months.