Policy changes for veterans riding county van
Due to a decrease in funding from the state, Le Sueur County veterans will see a change in their transportation provided by the county.
Veterans utilizing the Le Sueur County Veterans Van will now be charged $10 per trip to the Minneapolis VA Hospital.
This change was approved during the Tuesday, Nov. 6 Le Sueur County Board of Commissioners meeting in Le Center.
According to Veteran's Service Officer Jim Golgart, the funding his department receives from the state has dwindled to between $1,500 and $2,000.
Golgart said this was a very tough decision but was needed to be done in order to help defray the costs of the transportation.
Veterans who qualify for travel pay can submit their receipt to the VA.
A change has occurred here also. In the past veterans would receive cash back in exchange for their receipt. Golgart said the reimbursement will now come through direct deposit, which may take up to two eight weeks.
"We are doing the best we can (to get veterans) to and from the VA," Golgart said. "But by no means does the $10 cover the expense of the trip."
The other Le Sueur County Board business: The Le Sueur County Public Health Department was....
To see more on this story pick up the November 8, 2018 print edition.