ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Delta County’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is asking for more resources to serve local veterans. The issue is now in the hands of voters this fall.
“I am here today advocating for our county veterans with the best option that I believe will make the most impact on their lives and the county as a whole,” Delta County VSO Dave Dziewior told the County Board of Commissioners Tuesday evening.
Dziewior says although the county’s veteran population fluctuates from year to year, more vets need support than ever.
“Because of all the new laws that are constantly changing, the need is growing,” he said.
He says serving the second-largest veteran population in the U.P. is a major task for just one VSO.
“A lot of counties have more than one VSO even though they have less veterans,” said Dziewior. “Those counties made a decision to place a certain level of importance on providing support for the veterans who live in their county.”
Dziewior proposed an initiative for the November 2024 ballot that would establish one-tenth of a mil for the Veterans Relief Fund and veterans services through the county Veterans Affairs Office.
All five commissioners spoke in favor of supporting the VSO. However, there was debate around the likelihood of a millage passing with others on the horizon for cities like Gladstone.
“The schools just requested millage, and I feel that they’re going to come back with that,” said Commissioner Steven Viau. “The City is requesting 4.4 mills… Why can’t our administrator come up with a budget like you do with all the other departments and see if it’s already in our general fund to support that?”
County Administrator Ashleigh Young answered, “It came down to the question on if the general fund supports this, where are you going to cut it from? Because we’re balancing right now.”
Commissioner David Moyle expressed his faith in Delta County voters to pass the millage.
“My prediction is you will be overwhelmingly supported by the taxpayers of this county because they are overwhelmingly patriotic and understand the value of the services that you have provided,” he said to Dziewior.
With the addition of a ten-year period, the board voted unanimously to move the millage proposal forward to the voters in November.
