WEXFORD COUNTY — The Wexford County Veterans Service Committee met for a special meeting Wednesday morning to address department vacancies and the future of programs funded by the county’s veterans millage.
Earlier this month, the state changed requirements for the County Veteran Service Fund Grant, meaning the committee’s millage will now cover program expenses.
The Freedom Ride Program and the Northwest Michigan Veterans Expo will continue to receive funding, but counseling services provided by Mike Coonan will not.
Wexford County Administrator Joe Porterfield said the millage funds can only be used for veterans and their families within the county, requiring budget amendments to reflect the change.
The committee is working to fill its service officer vacancies and has already received applications.
Porterfield said they are also exploring the possibility of bringing in trained veteran service officers from neighboring counties.
However, he noted that accreditation for new officers can take between 30 and 90 days once training begins, with the next available class scheduled for April.
During public comment, Veterans Service Officer Charles Schmidt, who resigned in May, urged the committee to make changes to serve local veterans better.
“I can tell you and everybody in this community is we have a problem,” Schmidt said. “Our veterans have a problem. And I think the fix to the problem starts right here with this committee. So I would ask you guys either please change your ways, give us more than 12 minutes a month or step aside and let someone else do it.”
In response, Porterfield said the committee plans to reevaluate its operations and encouraged residents to reach out if they need assistance.
