Okaloosa County BOCC — July 28, 2015 — 6 Veteran Services-REVISED

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. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR: Ø Continued to update and improve office procedures to quickly adapt to numerous procedural changes implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ø Updated office procedure for claims submission which resulted in over 90% of claims and other communications with the Dept of Veterans Affairs are submitted by electronic means. Ø Increased the number of ready to-rate claims filed with the Dept of Veterans Affairs on behalf of area veterans and other claimants from 90% to 92% from the previous year. Ø Ensured that requests from the County Property Appraisals Office for verification of the “combat” status of Disabled Veterans and/or Surviving Spouses for homestead exemption purposes. Ø Continued to work with and provide assistance the Inmate Population Manager, Okaloosa County Vet Court’s Coordinator and the VA’s Justice Coordinator to provide appropriate assistance to eligible incarcerated veterans for Veteran’s Court and other VA specific programs. Ø 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. Ø Provided outreach to other various Agencies within the County who assist Veterans with assistance outside of our scope and provided much needed assistance to Veterans through their referrals Ø Provided assistance and information to 24 Veterans during the Annual Homeless Stand Down Scheduled and coordinated transportation for 136 veterans to the Pensacola VA Medical Facility. This program is successful due to coordination with volunteer van drivers. PROGRAM GOAL: The goal of the Okaloosa County Veterans Affairs Department purpose is aid and assist any Veteran or Veteran’s dependents in presenting claims for and securing such compensation, benefits, and privileges to which they are or may become entitled under any federal or state law or regulation by reason of the Veteran’s service in the Armed Forces of the United States. The offices coordinate and disseminate information on federal, state, county and private veterans’ programs and benefits KEY OBJECTIVES: Ø To effectively and efficiently respond to all client requests Ø Serve all veterans/dependents including shut-ins, assisted care facilities, incarcerated & homeless veterans Ø To maintain an acceptable dollar return to the County from claims submitted for Federal and State benefits Ø Maintain client support and ensure critical needs are met  PERFORMANCE MEASURES: Actual Estimated Adopted Performance Measures FY 13/14 FY 14/15 FY 15/16 Number of Full-Time Positions 3 3 3 Input Personnel Services 134,322 166,959 Operating Expenditures