On October 6, 2026, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a transfer of General Fund appropriations totaling $455,000 to support the Veterans Service Commission's financial assistance and medical transportation programs. According to Matthew H. Zelnik, Assistant Director of Services for the Veterans Service Commission, the average utility assistance award increased to $1,025 this year, while the average mortgage assistance award rose to $3,961.
Zelnik noted that requests for financial assistance are running about 1 percent ahead of last year, with expectations for continued growth through the end of 2026. The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce.
Press Release: Franklin County
Published October 6, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Franklin County.
County Adds $455,000 for Veterans as Utility and Mortgage Costs Climb
Franklin County Board of Commissioners | Veterans Service Commission
Veterans in Franklin County who need help keeping their homes and utilities are needing more of it this year. Through August, the Franklin County Veterans Service Commission's average utility assistance award was $1,025, up from $779 in 2025. The average mortgage assistance award grew from about $3,450 to $3,961.
To keep pace, the Board of Commissioners on October 6 approved Resolution 0646-26, a transfer of General Fund appropriations to support the commission's immediate financial assistance and medical transportation programs. Matthew H. Zelnik, Assistant Director of Services for the Veterans Service Commission, told the Board the supplemental funding totals $455,000.
"Like the clients we serve, our agency has been impacted by current affordability challenges," Zelnik said. He said utility and mortgage assistance, which help veterans stay housed and keep their utilities on, have put the most pressure on the commission's budget this year.
Commissioner Erica C. Crawley asked whether rising costs were the only factor, or whether more veterans are also coming in for help. Zelnik said financial assistance requests are running about 1 percent ahead of last year, when the commission handled about 6,000 requests, and that he expects that number to grow through the end of the year.
Crawley thanked Zelnik for bringing the Board year-over-year numbers. The supplemental funding covers the commission's needs for the rest of 2026.
The resolution passed unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Kevin L. Boyce.
The Veterans Service Commission provides financial assistance and medical transportation to Franklin County veterans and their families.
