At the Rock County Board of Supervisors' public hearing on the recommended 2026 budget, two Janesville residents urged the board to address rising demand for county services. Tony Charles Sr., who identified himself as a disabled veteran from Janesville, asked supervisors to consider adding a receptionist for the Rock County Veterans Service Office to relieve counselors who handle growing caseloads.

"If there was a receptionist who could handle the many, many calls they get every day, the walk in traffic that they get each day, and that they could schedule the appointments for the 4 counselors, it would be a tremendous help," Tony Charles Sr. told the board. He said Rock County's four veteran counselors processed about 2,700 benefit requests in 2024 and described instances in which there was no one at the reception desk to assist veterans who walked in.

Neil Dupree, also of Janesville, addressed the board about the county's potential borrowing to support services. "If one of my family members ... had high medical bills or serious issue with housing ... I would borrow money for it," Dupree said, urging supervisors to weigh the human impact of funding choices while considering borrowing.

The chair closed the public hearing after the two speakers and a short period for additional comment; no other members of the public stepped forward. The board then moved to new business on the agenda.