VERMILION — A county agency responsible for helping veterans access benefits and financial assistance could be eliminated if property taxes are removed, according to testimony during a recent Vermilion City Council meeting.
Jacob Smith, executive director of the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission, told council members the agency’s funding is directly tied to property tax revenue, and without it, services for local veterans would no longer exist.
The commission, which was established in Lorain County in 1946, provides assistance to veterans and their families by helping them file claims for federal benefits and offering local financial support programs. Smith said the agency has filed more than 200 claims for pensions and service-connected disability benefits in recent months alone.
Those efforts have brought significant federal dollars into the area. In 2024, more than $100 million in direct payments was delivered to Lorain County veterans through benefits such as disability compensation and pensions. That total has increased steadily in recent years, up from approximately $69 million in 2019.
In addition to helping secure federal benefits, the commission also provides direct financial assistance to veterans facing hardship. Smith said the agency spent more than $1.7 million in 2025 to help cover expenses such as housing, utilities, medical costs, and other basic needs. Early figures for 2026 show roughly $250,000 has already been distributed.
The agency also offers programs that address gaps in federal services, including assistance with dental care and transportation to VA medical appointments. Smith said many veterans are unaware they qualify for help, noting that a large percentage of those who engage with the commission had not previously heard of its services.
During his remarks, Smith emphasized that all of these programs depend on local funding generated through property taxes.
“If property tax is eliminated, the service commission goes away,” he told council.
The warning comes as discussions around property tax reform continue at the state level, raising questions about how local services funded through those revenues could be affected.
Smith also highlighted additional outreach efforts aimed at connecting with veterans, including community events and partnerships, as well as programs designed to bring new individuals into the system. He encouraged local officials to help spread awareness and direct veterans to available resources.
The commission serves veterans across Lorain County, including those in Vermilion, and works to ensure they receive benefits earned through military service while providing local support when needed.
At this time, no specific changes to property tax policy have been enacted, and it is not known how potential reforms could ultimately impact funding for the agency.