07/09/2025 (3) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final July 9, 2025 the current fiscal year. Fuel expenses decreased by $13,000 based on recent trends. He noted that the previous year, the District had purchased hybrid suits, costing $512,000. Furthermore, supply costs declined by $150,000. Lastly, the PEMT (Public Emergency Medical Transportation) grant, totaling $318,000, was rolled over and removed from the budget. All these factors combined accounted for the total reduction of $1.1 million. Additionally Mr. O'Connor inquired whether anything had been removed from the Fire Chief's proposed budget. Budget Director Kristin Daniels explained that the most significant change had been a reduction of $4 million in the Capital line. She noted that while some items had been postponed to a subsequent year, they also had the option to shift some expenses to an optional sales tax to alleviate the burden on the tax fund. Therefore, although the budget reflected a decrease, the funds had simply been reallocated to the optional sales tax rather than being eliminated from the district budget. A discussion took place between Steve Aguirre, a resident of Vero Beach Highlands, and Administrator Titkanich regarding the Emergency Services District. Mr. Aguirre pointed out that the slide listed an increase of 99.4%, which was likely a typo and should have been 9.4%. He also mentioned that the section on 'other uses" showed a 66.8% increase and asked what the increase was for. Administrator Titkanich confirmed the misprint and explained that the 66.8% increase was meant for contingency and transfers. Mr. Aguirre also asked about three new positions in the Emergency Services District budget, each offering a salary of $121,000. Administrator Titkanich clarified these roles were for Captains. Although these positions were included in the budget, they were not funded through the millage rate because their revenue came from grant funds. As a result, there would be no financial burden on taxpayers for these three positions, along with two vehicles and their equipment. Ms. Daniels noted that the grant allowed for multi-year spending, but it had a finite total that could be impacted by the pace at which the funds were utilized. There was some flexibility to cover salaries in the second year, although not for all three positions, and the District ultimately needed to take on these costs afterward. Looking ahead to the following year, funding concerns were anticipated to rise, with the potential for requesting additional funding that remained uncertain. A proposal to extend the funding over a couple of years was under consideration. The forecast suggested support for about two and a half years, given the current price levels, even though the grant had initially been designated for three years. Matt Redstone, on behalf of the Deputies Association, stated that they stand in solidarity with the firefighters and support their request for additional pay. Indian River County, Florida Page 19