VERO BEACH — Indian River County commissioners approved a $6.8 million budget increase for the sheriff’s office Wednesday after months of negotiations. The amount fell short of the $12.2 million sought by Sheriff Eric Flowers.
The vote set the office’s allocation at about $91.1 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Flowers had originally requested $14.6 million above the current budget. He cited higher costs for staff equipment and local programs.
Flowers said in a statement Thursday that the decision showed law enforcement was not a priority. He added that the funding level could affect efforts to address crime trends and keep staff in the growing county.
Before the vote, Chairman Joseph Flescher suggested drawing some funding from the county’s $75 million unrestricted reserves to cover more of the request. Commissioner Laura Moss proposed a compromise of $6 million from the general fund plus $3 million from reserves as a one-time step. Other commissioners did not support the idea.
Commissioner Susan Adams opposed using reserves for ongoing costs. She warned of potential state caps on property taxes that could strain future budgets. Commissioner Joe Earman said dipping into the reserves would open Pandora’s box.
Commissioners said the partial increase required eliminating new unfilled positions in other departments and trimming funds for some programs. They aimed to avoid raising taxes. County Administrator John Titkanich recommended the amount to balance fiscal needs amid economic pressures.
Commissioners also funded required across-the-board raises for sheriff’s office staff. “My only mission is to make sure the men and women are given their money that they’re due,” Vice Chairman Deryl Loar said.
Flowers, a Republican elected in 2020, has advocated for more resources to manage demands from increases in population and tourism. Other counties in Florida with similar populations have higher budgets for their sheriffs.
Indian River County has a population of 172,139, a total millage rate of 7.0512, and a general fund millage rate of 3.5475. Taxable value is $31.8 billion, with projected 2025-26 revenue of $597.6 million. The sheriff’s budget is $91.1 million, supporting 547 full-time employees and an average jail population of 484 inmates.
Martin County, with 165,666 residents, has a higher total millage rate of 9.9185 and a general fund millage rate of 6.5614. Taxable value is $39.3 billion, with projected revenue of $763.2 million. The sheriff’s office has a $119.4 million budget, 640 employees, and an average of 627 inmates.
Despite having about 6,500 fewer residents, Martin County generates roughly $140 million more in revenue, allowing for a sheriff’s budget that is $28 million larger than Indian River’s and nearly 100 additional staff members.
However, in Indian River County, that would mean raising taxes to fund the sheriff’s office or making cuts elsewhere in the county. County commissioners were not in favor of raising taxes this year.
