Hood River County Commissioners are facing a decision on how and whether to fund the County’s Veterans Services Office after an attempt to use only state funds in fiscal year 2018-19 was found to be against state statutes.  The County’s original budget application for the office to the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs was rejected, with the state citing a statutory requirement for the county to participate in the operation of the veterans’ service office, and the county contribution may not be decreased from the previous year unless there is an equal percentage decrease in all county offices.  County Administrator Jeff Hecksel says their contribution last year was just over $31,000, but it was eliminated as the County dealt with its budgetary shortfall.  Hecksel says the Commission has the option either to come up with a supplemental appropriation putting the $31,000 into the Veterans’ Services Office budget, or to cease operation of the program.  The Commission will consider the matter at its September 17 meeting.