File #: 18-0342    Version: 1
Type: Agenda Item Status: Approved
File created: 2/21/2018 In control: Board of Supervisors
On agenda: 3/13/2018 Final action: 3/13/2018
Title: Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board: 1) Authorize the transfer of the Veteran Affairs Department from the Recorder-Clerk/Elections/Veterans Department to establish the Veterans Affairs Department as a stand-alone program within the Health and Human Services Agency; and 2) Direct staff to return to the Board as part of the Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget process with recommended changes for this transfer to become effective July 1, 2018. (Est. Time: 45 Min.) FUNDING: General Fund.
Related files: 21-0474, 22-1275
Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board:
1) Authorize the transfer of the Veteran Affairs Department from the Recorder-Clerk/Elections/Veterans Department to establish the Veterans Affairs Department as a stand-alone program within the Health and Human Services Agency; and
2) Direct staff to return to the Board as part of the Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget process with recommended changes for this transfer to become effective July 1, 2018. (Est. Time: 45 Min.)

FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board:
1) Authorize the transfer of the Veteran Affairs Department from the Recorder-Clerk/Elections/Veterans Department to establish the Veterans Affairs Department as a stand-alone program within the Health and Human Services Agency; and
2) Direct staff to return to the Board as part of the FY 2018-19 budget process with recommended changes for this transfer to become effective July 1, 2018.

Since November 2009, the County Recorder-Clerk has acted as the Department Head for the Veteran Affairs Department. With the upcoming retirement of the Recorder-Clerk in December 2018, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is recommending that the Board consider establishing a stand-alone Veteran Affairs program within the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA). This will result in fiscal and business process efficiencies and cost savings, compared to establishing a stand-alone department with an appointed Department Head.

BACKGROUND

Veteran Affairs Mission and Staffing
The mission of the Veteran Affairs Department is to assist veterans, their dependents and survivors with the administration of legislation resulting from military service. This includes providing assistance filing claims with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and processing applications for benefits with the California Department of Veteran Affairs. Department staff provides information, benefit counseling, application ...

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