(Atlantic, IA) – A public hearing was held this (Tuesday) morning in Atlantic, to consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Cass County Budget. The hearing was part of a Special meeting of the Cass County Board of Supervisors. Having heard no comments, and following the hearing, the Board – by a vote of 4-to- 1, with Supervisor Wendy Richter opposed, passed a resolution pertaining to a FY 2027 Compensation Schedule for Elected Officials.
Board Chair Steve Baier explained the increases for each respective office…
And the Supervisors passed by a vote of 4-to 1, with Richter opposed, a resolution adopting the FY2027 Cass County Budget and related Certification of Taxes.
Prior to their adjournment, the Board spent a considerable amount of time discussing the soon-to-be vacant position of Cass County Veterans Affairs Executive Director. Last week, current Director Mitch Holmes announced his plans to retire as of July 1, 2026, after nearly 18-years of service.
Baier said the County will advertise for the full-time position, possibly at a reduced salary from what is currently being paid. He mentioned also he and Supervisor Steve Green discussed making the position one that is shared with another county, but that was ruled-out.
There was also talk of making the position part-time, but that finding someone with the qualifications may be difficult due to factors that include a lack of VA benefits knowledge and other factors, such as veterans’ aging-out of the system. Other than moving ahead with posting the position, the Supervisors took no action on other factors, such as setting a salary and hours. The County VA Commissioners will interview applicant candidates and make their recommendation to the Supervisors for approval.
In Iowa, County Veterans Affairs Directors serve to assist veterans, their spouses, and dependents in obtaining federal, state, and local benefits, by navigating the bureaucratic red tape. The role includes helping individuals file, track, and appeal VA claims, as well as connecting them to compensation, pensions, healthcare, and education benefits. The director also manages county-level emergency assistance funds and helps facilitate burial benefits.
