Crow Wing County Veteran service officer Receives Suspension.

Bob Nelson, Veteran service officer, met with Crow Wing County Board members on Tuesday, for failing to meet the Minnesota department of Veterans Affairs deadline.

Documentation was not provided for the use of a $15,000 grant. Paperwork was supposed to be sent back on time to be eligible for the same grant next year.

Nelson also did not use all of the funds awarded to the VSO office. Funding can be used for advertising the office so Veterans can seek out help.

The 2017 department budget deadline was also missed, in which Commissioner Paul Thiede repeatedly reminded Nelson through email the deadline date. Thiede even offered to help with the system used for budgeting.

Back in 2015, Nelson was called before the board, for poor performance in meeting the organizations goals.

The board did address that Nelson was operating with only one other staff member for most of the 2016 summer.

The local veteran community supported Nelson throughout the board meeting. Nelson did acknowledge his failure to meet deadlines and accepted discipline.

Nelson was reappointed, but with conditions. He was given a written reprimand and a one-day suspension.

Nelson will also have to follow a performance improvement plan and report directly to the county board.