County veterans office reports staff turnover, transport coverage and food pantry needs

Columbia County veterans services staff informed the committee that the veterans office will soon have a deputy resigning from her position and that staffing adjustments are underway.

Staff said the office is using per‑diem drivers to maintain veteran transportation service while regular drivers retire or use vacation leave; presenters said there are two regular drivers and an additional per‑diem driver in place to cover hours and that one driver is limited on hours prior to retirement.

In public remarks, staff and volunteers highlighted community veteran services: volunteers organized a veterans luncheon of about 35 to 40 attendees, widows and volunteers will participate in local parades and memorial readings, and staff celebrated two veterans receiving 100% disability ratings this month. Staff also described an individual veteran in Canaan who received substantial back disability payments with county assistance.

The county veterans food pantry was reported to be running low on meat and frozen breakfast items; volunteers noted venison and ground-meat donations are popular and go quickly. Staff said they would coordinate with Patsy (staff/volunteer referenced in discussion) to determine day-to-day needs and work with other pantries to reallocate items as required. Committee members discussed frequency rules for pantry visits raised on social media and clarified that the pantry typically enforces limits when users attempt to take excessive quantities, but that the county generally aims to keep food moving to individuals in need.

Discussion and next steps: staff will coordinate with pantry volunteers to identify immediate needs (especially protein items) and will continue to manage transportation staffing with per-diem drivers until permanent hires are arranged.