Information Request
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
The information you are seeking may likely already be accessible on this website and may not require you to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
Please navigate this website using the tools on the homepage or On-line Services page. If the property for which the records are sought is located in a municipality, please contact the municipality directly for obtaining the records. A list of municipalities and other agencies can be found here: Other Links
If you would like to submit a FOIA request, please carefully read the information below. Illinois law requires public bodies to comply with or deny a FOIA request within five business days, unless the time for response is extended for an additional five business days, as allowed under the law. A request for records to be used for a commercial purpose requires a public body to respond within 21 business days.
Methods to Request Information and Public Records
Please complete the Online FOIA Request Form or you can mail, fax, email, or hand-deliver directly to the department for which the records are being sought. Click here to download a PDF Form
Please be specific in the nature of your request in order for FOIA Officers to process your request more efficiently. (Illinois law does not require you to submit on the FOIA Request Form, but the request should be in writing). *Electronic records can be requested and will be provided, as allowed under the law.
Copy Fees (Some fees are regulated by state statutes):
• First 50 pages are free (black & white, letter or legal size)
• 15 cents per page thereafter (black & white, letter or legal size)
• Actual costs of copying for color copies
FOIA OFFICERS:
Mike Iwanicki
Jane Dorfner
HOURS TO INSPECT/REVIEW RECORDS:
9:00 am - 12:00 Noon
1:00pm - 3:00pm
ACCESS TO RECORDS:
Written request necessary
RECORDS AVAILABLE UPON IMMEDIATE REQUEST:
- Current Annual Budget
- Current VAC Meeting Agenda's and Minutes
- Current VAC Annual Report
RECORDS ON FILE:
- Administrative Correspondence Files
- Certificate of Military Release or Discharge- FormDD214
- Veterans Assistance Client Records
- Application for Authority to Dispose Records & Records Disposal Certificates
- Claims for Veterans Assistance Disability Compensation, Pension Dependency, & Indemnity Health Care
- Client Daily Sheets
- Monthly Reports
- Annual & Year-to-Date Reports
- Purchase Orders, Requisitions & Invoices (Copies)
- Transportation of Client Logs
TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET: $609,229.35
Complete County Budget also available online.
FUNCTION:
The Veterans Assistance Commission - is a local government unit funded by the County Government of McHenry County. The Commission consists of 23 delegates and 23 alternates from the veterans service organizations located in McHenry County. The salaried staff consists of a Superintendent, a Veteran Service Officer or Trainee, A Part Time Veterans Service Officer (Outreach), a Admin Spec I, and 5-6 per diem Drivers. Functions are broken down into two primary categories, with the second category further broken down into sub-categories.
Mandatory Function: The mandatory function of the Commission is to provide financial assistance to needy veterans, the needy surviving spouse of a veteran, and the minor children of a veteran not in the veteran’s custody. The Commission meets on the third Wednesday of the Month at VFW Post 5040, 240 Throop St., Woodstock, or the County Admin Building. Commission officers consists of a Chairman, 2 Vice Chairmen, a Treasurer, Judge Advocate, Sergeant at Arms, and 5 Executive Committee members elected by the Commission. Officers also include a Secretary, a Parliamentarian, a Chaplain, and a delegate and an alternate to the Illinois Association of County VAC’s appointed by the Chairman; and a representative from County Government appointed by the County Board Chairman.
Discretionary Functions: Discretionary functions that have been approved by the Commission include:
• Claims: Assist veterans and their family members in the filing of claims for various programs authorized by the United States Government and maintained by the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security Administration. These programs include Disability Compensation, Pension, Dependents Indemnity Compensation, Headstones, and College programs. This program does not utilize county funds.
• Transportation: Operation of five motor vehicles for transporting veterans to North Chicago VA Medical Center. Volunteers and cab service are used to transport vets to the outpatient clinic, and to designated pick up points for service to North Chicago VAMC. The majority of veterans transported are senior citizens or disabled.
• Indigent Veterans Burial: The Superintendent administers the Indigent Veterans Burial program for the County Government. This program does not utilize any VAC funds.
• Draft Registration: Assist young men in registering with the Selective Service Administration. This program does not utilize county funds.
CONTACT:
Phone: (815) 334-4229 / Fax: (815) 334-4678
Email: veterans@co.mchenry.il.us
OFFICE HOURS:
8:00AM to 4:30PM Monday - Friday
LOCATION:
McHenry County Administration Building
667 Ware Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
MAILING ADDRESS:
Veterans Assistance Commission of McHenry County
McHenry County Government Center, Admin Bldg
2200 North Seminary Avenue
Woodstock, IL 60098
EMPLOYEES:
Mike Iwanicki - McHenry County Superintendent Veteran's Commission and 2 full time employees; 1 part time employee; and 5-6 Per-Diem employees.