Sangamon County officials are seeking legal clarity regarding the implementation of the amended Military Veterans Assistance Act, following a dispute with the Sangamon County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) over funding and oversight. The County has filed a request for a declaratory judgment, asking the court to interpret the law’s requirements. This common legal step is necessary, according to County leaders, due to differing interpretations of the law between the two parties.
The VAC argues that it is entitled to at least 0.02% of the County's equalized assessed value, claiming no need for oversight or justification of its funding requests of $1.2 Million to a publicly elected board. County officials, however, express concern that such an approach would remove taxpayer accountability.
“The County must ensure that public funds are allocated fairly to meet the community's needs,” said County officials, noting that any additional funding for the VAC would reduce resources available for other essential services, such as public safety and infrastructure.
Sangamon County has significantly increased funding for the VAC in recent years, responding to the evolving needs of veterans. Since 2022, the County has more than doubled the VAC’s budget. Additionally, three new staff positions have been approved to support the VAC’s mission, and salaries for key staff have seen substantial raises—42.6% for the Superintendent, 75.6% for the Assistant Superintendent, and 90.0% for Veterans Service Officers. County leaders also committed over $30,000 for office improvements and are exploring options for a new permanent facility to better serve veterans.
Despite these increases, the VAC's request for even more funds has raised concerns. “It is reasonable to believe that this funding should be subject to oversight by a publicly elected body,” County officials argue, highlighting financial issues at the VAC, including payroll delays, lack of leave documentation, and unexplained budget requests. These concerns, they assert, make it imperative that VAC funding be subject to oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately.
In addition to financial concerns, the County pointed to past mismanagement under previous VAC leadership. “If the County had not stepped in, these failures would have continued to harm both veterans and taxpayers,” officials explained. Past issues included reductions in service hours without County approval, disruptions in the workplace, unauthorized lease agreements, and financial misconduct involving an elderly veteran’s estate. “These problems highlight the need for proper oversight and accountability,” County leaders emphasized.
Throughout the ongoing legal process, “Veterans’ services should not be affected,” County officials stated, assuring the public that the VAC will continue to operate during the court review.
County leaders are hopeful for a ruling that will provide clarity moving forward. “Our goal is to comply with the law while maintaining responsible financial practices,” they said. The County has pledged to cover reasonable legal expenses for both sides, ensuring that both parties have the opportunity to present their case to the court.
While the legal process unfolds, County officials said they remain open to collaboration with the VAC to address funding concerns in a manner that serves the best interests of both veterans and Sangamon County taxpayers.