AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Hold discussion regarding the Veteran’s Affairs Advisory Committee Recommendation Resolution 2025-01RR-VAAC, requesting City Council support services and funding issues affecting Veterans.
Body
Meeting date: July 1, 2025
Department: Parks and Recreation
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Background Information:
Recommendation Resolution 2025-01-VAAC was approved by the Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) on January 28, 2025. The purpose of this Recommendation Resolution is to request the City Council support services and funding for issues affecting Veterans.
March 11, 2024 - The VAAC held a discussion regarding annual goals/projects. The
conversation identified that one of the duties of the committee is to make
recommendations to the City Council regarding issues that are important to Veterans.
The committee identified issues to be explored including homelessness, rental
assistance, transportation, healthcare, and improvements to the Veterans Memorial.
The VAAC held meetings on June 10, July 24, September 9, October 21, and
December 9, 2024. During these meetings, the committee shared and examined data
from the annual Point-In-Time (PIC) Count, shared data from the Hays County Veteran Service
Office regarding numbers of Veterans served, received updates from Hope 4 Hays
County Vets Program regarding service requests, and a presentation by Code
Enforcement outlining their efforts to address homelessness and home repairs affecting
Veterans.
January 28, 2025 - The VAAC approved Recommendation Resolution 2025-01RR-VAAC recommending the following to City Council for consideration:
1. Allocate funds to hire at least one trained Case Worker specializing in Veteran issues to serve as a central point of contact, coordinate services with other Veteran service organizations, government entities, and address critical needs such as housing, health, and transportation.
2. Explore, coordinate and implement transportation solutions to ensure reliable and equitable access for Veterans traveling to and from VA health appointments in the Austin-San Antonio corridor; to include discussions with Capital Area and Alamo Area Council of Governments and other transportation solutions.
3. Establish a dedicated budget for essential repairs, improvements, and ongoing maintenance of the Hays County Veterans Memorial to preserve its infrastructure, safety, and historical significance for future generations.
4. Seek financial support from Hays County to enhance efforts to meet the needs of Veterans and to maintain the Hays County Veterans Memorial as a symbol of collective respect and remembrance.
Fiscal Note: There is currently not an identified funding source to fund recommendations.
The committee has expressed interest in creating a fundraising campaign to implement
improvements to the Veterans Memorial which would need council approval.
Implementation: The implementation of adding personnel, transportation needs, and
maintenance/improvements to the Veterans Memorial will have to be addressed through
the budget process.
Additional Information:
Hays County Veterans Service Office
The Hays County Veterans Service Office <https://www.hayscountytx.gov/veterans-services> (HCVSO) provides assistance to Veterans and their dependents in completing and filing documents needed to access benefits through local, state, federal, and non-profit programs. They are able to assist with information about how to access Housing/Land benefits, assistance from local Veteran Services Organizations, and emergency financial assistance from Hope 4 Hays County Veterans <https://www.hayscountytx.gov/hope-4-hays-county-vets>. Previously, the HCVSO served as a subrecipient for TxDOT 5310 funding and owned two vehicles for over 20 years. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the HCVSO Director indicated a desire to return the federally funded vehicles, as they were receiving only a few requests per month. Additionally, due to an increase in VA benefit claims, the staff member recruited as a driver transitioned to a permanent role assisting with claim processing. As a result, in 2023, the two vehicles were transferred to CARTS.
How is the City currently addressing Case Management needs?
While not specifically targeted toward Veterans, the City Council has allocated funding for Case Management services through the Southside Community Center. Additionally, in 2012, the City Council approved an ordinance that waives utility deposit fees for any active duty or honorably discharged Veterans. The Homeless Outreach Team assists in identifying Veterans and connecting them to available resources such as the Southside Community Center, Hays County Veterans Service Office, H.O.M.E. Center, Scheib, BR3T, or Operation Triage. Furthermore, the San Marcos Public Library maintains a Community Resources page on the city’s website, providing both city staff and Veterans with easy access to the resources they may need.
Transportation Policy Study
Committee Member Amanda Gomes Torres’ completed a Graduate Study evaluating the barriers military-connected families in Hays County face accessing critical healthcare services at Veteran Affair (VA) facilities due to lack of public transportation throughout Hays County. Her study has been attached. Committee Member Gomes Torres is also the caseworker for Hope 4 Hays County Veterans.
Who is responsible for Hays County Veterans Memorial?
The City of San Marcos is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the Memorial. In 1997/98, the city granted use of the land to Hays County Veterans Memorial, Inc., the volunteer group who raised funds to build the memorial. The memorial was completed in 2000. In 2009 the Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee was created and tasked with overseeing the transfer of operations from the volunteer group to the city. The city officially began processing plaque orders and completing any maintenance needs 2011. Park Operations have been able to complete some repairs within the scope of their annual budget; future needs for major repairs and improvements such as shade structures will need fiscal support through the city budget request process and/or outside fundraising. The committee has voiced interest in a fundraising campaign but will need approval from the City Council to undertake such an endeavor.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
Recommendation Resolution 2025-01-VAAC was approved by the Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) on January 28, 2025, unanimously.
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