(Atlantic, IA) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors held Special meeting this (Tuesday) morning. The Board met to discuss possible sharing options, with regard to a Veterans Affairs Executive Director position.
Last week, current Cass County VA Director Mitch Holmes – who is retiring July 1st after 15-years of service to the County – introduced the individual the Cass County Veteran Affairs Commission recommended to replace him, as William “Bill” Baylor, but the Cass County Board tabled action on approving the appointment until they could discuss possibly sharing the post with Audubon County. Baylor serves as the part-time VA Director in Audubon County.
During the Public Comment portion of the meeting Tuesday, May 26th, the Board heard from American Legion District 7 Commander Mitch Brahms, who travels across 13 counties in southwest Iowa, representing approximately 6,000 veterans. He urged the Supervisors not to cut the Veterans Service Officer (VSO) hours.
In a phone call with Audubon County Board of Supervisors Chair Kent Grabill, last week, Grabill told Cass County Board Chair Steve Baier, that while not speaking for his entire Board, a 60/40 cost sharing/time agreement it would be something they would be interested in pursuing. Steve Baier said the situation changed over the weekend.
The Board spent a considerable time today (Tuesday), discussing not only what the Iowa Code allows, but other matters, such as hours and compensation. Previously, the Cass County Supervisors discussed having the VA Director’s position part-time, at an annual salary of $43,680, an amount less than Holmes’ current annual salary.
Bill Baylor said his main concern is serving the veterans of Cass County.
No action was taken during today’s meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board is on June 2nd, during which an action item is expected to be on the agenda to hire Baylor as the County VA Director in Cass County.
