news release

The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers have reached a settlement resolving the dispute over the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget, which had resulted in litigation in Circuit Court and an appeal before the Florida Administration Commission.

“As stated when today’s meeting was announced, the Board affirms its commitment to putting recent conflicts behind and moving forward in a cooperative, professional partnership with the Sheriff’s Office for the benefit of all residents,” said Board Chairman Deryl Loar.

Under the terms of the settlement, the County will provide an additional $3,500,000 appropriation to the Sheriff’s Office for Fiscal Year 2025–2026. In return, the Sheriff has agreed to dismiss both the pending lawsuit and administrative appeal and will not pursue further amendments to the FY 2025–2026 budget except in the event of an emergency.

The agreement also establishes a $4,000,000 increase for the Sheriff’s Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget. The Sheriff has agreed not to appeal the FY 2026–2027 budget provided it is funded at that level.

The FY 2025–2026 appropriation will be allocated between the General Fund (31.5 percent) and Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) Fund (68.5 percent) and will be funded through available undesignated fund balance. Funding for FY 2026–2027, totaling $7,500,000, will be supported through taxable revenues within the respective funds.

“This settlement represents a constructive path forward,” said County Administrator John A. Titkanich Jr. “It ensures the Sheriff’s Office has the resources necessary to serve our community while maintaining fiscal discipline and reinforcing trust between our institutions.”

Sheriff Flowers emphasized the importance of collaboration and long-term planning in meeting the County’s evolving public safety needs.