Art Rodriguez, chairman of the McLean County Veterans Assistance Commission, told the Finance Committee on Oct. 8 that grant and voucher payments intended for veteran programs have been delayed for months and that some checks submitted in July remain unpaid.

"We submitted vouchers back in July that have not been paid yet to some veteran organizations that are very critical," Rodriguez said during public comment. He said the unpaid amounts affect programs that offer outdoor activities and rehabilitation for veterans and estimated "roughly about $50,000 in grants that just haven't been paid." Rodriguez said delays risk services that help prevent homelessness and suicide among veterans and urged action.

The comment came before the committee’s later review of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) fiscal 2026 budget. County Administrator Cassie Taylor presented the VAC budget request and told the committee it includes a 20% overall increase and a 31% rise in salaries tied to a proposed restructuring of staff roles and pay grades. Taylor said the changes were developed in consultation with the VAC and are intended to reflect comparable positions in similar offices.

Jerry Vogler, who administers the veterans program, was present during the budget discussion and was thanked by administration for his work. The Finance Committee voted to approve the VAC fund budget as submitted.

The meeting record shows no formal explanation in the public comment segment for the July voucher delays beyond Rodriguez’s statements. Rodriguez criticized the auditor’s office in his remarks, saying he had asked questions and seen backlogs; the transcript records his direct remark: "If the auditors here, which I probably doubt, go find another job." Administrator Taylor later told the committee that the county has been working through audit- and reporting-related delays that have affected the timing of several disbursements and that administration is coordinating to address outstanding items.

Why it matters: delayed payments to organizations that support vulnerable veterans can interrupt services — including transportation, medical-related travel and activity programs — that proponents say contribute to veterans’ well‑being. The committee approved budget increases for the VAC for 2026, which the county said are consistent with statutory obligations and the commission’s researched comparative salary levels.

The Finance Committee did not record a specific payment plan in the public record on Oct. 8 to clear the July vouchers Rodriguez cited. Administration said it is pursuing audit completion and other steps that will allow withheld disbursements to be released once the audit and related filings are finished.