“At least based on billing records, Wixon’s story appears to have been ‘informed’ by public relations consultants working for the Town of Indian River Shores.”

MARK SCHUMANN

In a two-pronged legal challenge to Vero Beach’s right to continue providing electric service outside the city limits, the Indian River County Commission and the Town of Indian River Shores spent $1,041,059 in 2015.  County taxpayers picked up the tab for $307,821 in legal expenses, while Shores residents saw $733,238 added to the cost of running their Town.

The County’s case, which was first brought to the Florida Public Service Commission is now before the Florida Supreme Court. The Shores took its case first to court and has not brought it challenge to the PSC. Both governments are seeking clear legal authority to force Vero Electric to discontinue service outside the city limits.

Vero Beach last year spent $556,425 in legal and consulting fees related to electric issues. About half of the money went to paying attorney Schef Wright to defend Vero Beach from the County and the Shores. The remainder compensated Wright and a rate consultant for renegotiating the City’s wholesale power agreement with the Orlando Utilities Commission. According to City officials, the revised agreement will save the customers of Vero Electric $51.8 million between now and 2023, and another $67.9 million between 2024 and 2029.

Though the Press Journal’s self-proclaimed “watchdog” journalists have reported extensively on the City’s legal expenses, they have little to say about the mounting legal costs being paid by County and  Shores taxpayers.

In addition to employing two law firms to prosecute its legal challenge, the Shores hired a public relations firm, Curley and Pynn.  Among the services Curley and Pynn provides, its messaging specialists review news reporting and consults with the Town’s legal counsel on “public messaging.”

Curley and Pynn billed the Shores for two calls placed to Press Journal reporter Colleen Wixon in early December.  Those calls were placed on December 2 and 3. On Dec. 3, Wixon posted a story on TCPalm.com headlined “Indian River Shores filed amended electric lawsuit against Vero Beach.” At least based on billing records, Wixon’s story appears to have been “informed” by public relations consultants working for the Town of Indian River Shores.