Lincoln County Commissioners Approve Veteran Services Question for the November Ballot

by KYAQ Staff

Lincoln County Commissioners on Wednesday voted to place a measure on the General Election ballot that if approved by county voters would create a five-year local option levy supporting services for veterans.

The Lincoln County Veteran Services Office is available to support around 5,200 military veterans and active-duty Coast Guard and NOAA members in obtaining federal, state and county benefits for which they are eligible due to their military service. The office also provides veterans outreach services and helps veterans’ families learn about and apply for survivor benefits.

The proposed levy would collect $0.035 per $1,000 for five years, starting in 2026, if approved by voters in the Nov. 3, 2025 election.

The Veteran Services Office is currently funded out of the County’s General Fund and through Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs pass-through funding – $222,771 and $119,000,  respectively. This pays for three full-time employees, including two accredited Veteran Services Officers and an administrative assistant. This investment sees a remarkable rate of return; every $1 spent by the County on veteran services generates $25 for the local economy, according to Lincoln County.

If the levy passes, the increase would go towards veteran outreach programs.

A 2022 survey found that 48% of veterans don’t understand their disability benefit options, and four in 10 veterans felt they didn’t receive adequate guidance on benefits when leaving the military. And the U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration reports that only about 20% of veterans apply for and use VA services.

Under present funding, the Lincoln County Veteran Services Office conducts outreach as it is able, but these outreach efforts are less cohesive than ideal, and outreach events are conducted as extra duties in addition to routine, 9-5 office activity.

The County contends that as other federal programs see a decrease in federal funding, enhanced capability to engage veterans in the community is essential to maintaining their quality and comfort of life.