Judge will have final say in financial disputes involving Sangamon County and Veterans Assistance Commission

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A legal battle between the Veterans Assistance Commission and Sangamon County has been stuck in a stalemate. Both parties are now agreeing to let a judge examine contracts and other legally binding agreements to determine the next move.

The VAC is asking for $1.2-million from Sangamon County to fulfill its needs, but county officials believe enough is being provided to meet what is required.

The question - is Sangamon county legally obligated to provide the county veterans assistance program the funds they're demanding?

"The declaratory judgement portion of both lawsuits asks the judge to declare what the law is, to resolve any question between the two parties of what that is and how it should be followed," said the VAC's attorney Joshua Herman.

The VAC provides financial assistance, job placement opportunities and other services to veterans and their families in Sangamon County.

Sangamon county Administrator Brian McFadden argues that the county has done what it can to meet the needs of the VAC.

"In the last 3 years, we've doubled their budget. We've almost doubled their headcount as far as employees, significant raises for their employees. We've been cooperative with these things," said McFadden.

McFadden says the VAC's $1.2-million funding request boils down to a matter of legal interpretation.

If a judge rules in favor of the VAC, Sangamon County would then need to find means of acquiring the money to go toward the program. McFadden explains that Sangamon county's tax is capped. As a result, it could require drastically altering the distribution of funds for other county platforms.

"Their interpretation language is that they can ask the county every year for at least $1.2 million and up as much as they want, and the county is required to give them that money without any oversight, without any accountability," said McFadden.

However, both parties have agreed to allow a judge to make the final call.

"Tell us what the law says. And then both sides have said they'll live with the law," said McFadden.