Josephine County veterans are expressing concern over future funding for the local Veterans Service Office (VSO) following recent budget cuts. Earlier this year, the County Commissioners reduced the VSO’s budget from $542,400 to $468,400, nearly a $100,000 decrease. This reduction has raised questions about the office’s ability to continue assisting veterans in accessing government benefits, prompting a new proposal aimed at securing stable funding.
The proposal, set to appear on the November ballot, seeks voter approval for a tax levy that would fund the VSO for the next five years. The levy would impose a property tax of five cents per $1,000 of assessed value, translating to approximately $11 per year for the average homeowner. If approved, the measure would replace current general fund allocations with dedicated revenue, potentially freeing up funds for other county needs.
However, passing the tax levy may prove challenging. Josephine County has a history of voter resistance to new taxes, as evidenced by the prolonged struggle to establish a taxing district for the Sheriff’s Department. That effort narrowly succeeded after years of debate and a close vote.
Commissioner John West, one of the decision-makers behind the budget cut, has faced criticism from some community members who view the reduction as detrimental to veterans’ services. Supporters of the tax levy argue that dedicated funding is essential to ensure that local veterans continue to receive assistance with navigating the often-complex process of applying for benefits.
With the tax measure on the November ballot, proponents hope to rally enough support to overcome the county’s longstanding aversion to new taxes. The outcome will determine whether the VSO secures reliable funding or continues to rely on the county’s fluctuating general fund.