VERO BEACH — Indian River County commissioners on Wednesday tentatively approved a $6.8 million boost to the sheriff’s office budget, coming up short of the $12.2 million that Sheriff Eric Flowers had sought but still delivering raises for deputies and other employees after a fiery public hearing.
The boost brings the sheriff’s total budget to approximately $91.1 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to County Administrator John Titkanich. Flowers, who was absent due to an emergency, had initially sought $14.6 million but later revised it downward. The funds are intended for pay raises for the office’s roughly 560 employees, new vehicles, equipment like body cameras and vests, and retention efforts.
To fund the increase without raising taxes or tapping reserves, commissioners cut $850,000 from other departments. That included eliminating six positions—such as a full-time park foreman, a maintenance worker in parks, a staff assistant for conservation lands, a senior maintenance crew leader, and reducing a guest services attendant and recreation leader to part-time—and slashing program funding. Annual allocations to the Humane Society were reduced, and funding for mental health court was halved, with the hospital district covering the remaining costs.
During the 3½-hour hearing, public comments overwhelmingly supported increased funding for the sheriff’s office, as residents praised its community outreach programs and urged commissioners to prioritize public safety.
Michael Marsh, founder of Team Success Enterprises, recounted the department’s efforts in feeding the homeless, supporting youth programs, and delivering holiday meals. “This is not about Sheriff Eric Flowers. He’s not going to get one penny,” Marsh stated. “Those heroes that when you call 911, from the jail to the streets to the civilians, that’s what we’re here for. Not political theater.”
Tony Consolo echoed the sentiment, saying the value of law enforcement “can’t put a price on it,” and suggested using reserves to bridge the gap to $12.2 million. Joanne Barnhart, a Vero Beach resident, called public safety the government’s top role while applauding the board’s fiscal prudence.
Renee Raia, a 21-year sheriff’s office employee, highlighted past sacrifices, noting no raises for seven years during the Great Recession. “We went seven years without a raise. So that stunted the growth and the pay,” she said.
Former NFL player Dale Dawkins, a longtime county resident, warned against underpaying deputies. “I don’t want those guys coming into my community disgruntled, upset, frustrated that they’ve had to take on a second detail to make ends meet,” he said.
Commissioners were divided. Chairman Joseph Flescher opened by suggesting dipping into the county’s $75 million in unrestricted reserves to cover the full request, calling the process “micromanagement” but necessary for effective stewardship.
Commissioner Laura Moss pushed for compromise, moving to approve $6 million from the general fund and $3 million from reserves as a one-time measure. “I truly believe this has become far too contentious. It’s harmed our community,” she said.
But Commissioner Susan Adams opposed using reserves for ongoing costs. “You cannot use reserves for recurring funding because recurring funding is going to happen year-over-year,” she said, citing “government finance 101.” Adams noted the sheriff’s office gets annual increases and warned of potential state caps on property taxes that could strain future budgets.
Commissioner Joe Earman called the debate unprecedented, criticizing the lack of direct talks with Flowers. “If you dip into your reserves, you have opened Pandora’s box,” he said, fearing it could set a precedent for other officials.
Vice Chairman Deryl Loar, a former sheriff, focused on deputy pay, stating that the $6.8 million would provide approximately $9,000 annual raises for law enforcement and $3,500 for civilian workers. “My only mission is to make sure the men and women are given their money that they’re due,” he said. Loar motioned for the $6.8 million, which passed, with openness to future amendments.
The Indian River County Board of Commissioners will hold its final budget hearing for fiscal year 2025-26 on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
