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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final noting that FY 24/25 expenses to date were $206,977. July 9, 2025 He stated that this information pointed to significant increases in various budget categories. He noted there were discrepancies in the Sheriff's calculations and a need for clarification regarding anticipated versus actual attendance for training and travel. Chairman Flescher emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considered the entire community's needs, advocating for support of the Sheriff s office while remaining within practical budget limits and opposing tax increases. Sheriff Flowers addressed the financial challenges facing his office, emphasizing the overtime costs associated with staffing shortages. He proposed increasing starting salaries for deputies as a necessary step for recruitment and retention. Additionally, he pointed out that current personnel funds only covered salaries, leaving operational expenses inadequately funded. Sheriff Flowers referenced Florida Statute Section 30.49, Chapter 4, indicating that if the Board decided to decrease his funding request, they would be required to provide a detailed written notice of any proposed changes to his budget. He spotlighted the soaring operational costs, ranging from essential items like tires to healthcare in the jail and meals, insisting that law enforcement should never have been a last priority in budget considerations. He passionately argued that without proper funding, every aspect of the operation would inevitably falter. He also noted the presence of community members at the meeting, who sought to address critical issues. Sheriff Flowers confidently asserted that if he had mismanaged funds, his staff would have held him accountable. He concluded by reiterating his request for written details on any cuts to his budget should the Board decide to support an amount differing from his proposed budget, emphasizing the necessity of clarity and transparency in prioritizing public safety. A discussion among Commissioner Adams, Sheriffs Office CFO Ms. Aimee Cooper, and Sheriff Flowers examined the allocation of $770,000 for training. Ms. Cooper pointed out that this amount included a $119,000 increase in overtime related to training and a $256,000 adjustment to the sworn officer pay scale. Commissioner Adams sought clarification to determine whether this allocation represented an increase of $29,000 per deputy, for a total of 26 deputies. Additionally, the conversation aimed to clarify how the training wage budget was allocated to provide additional wages for the deputies. Sheriff Flowers recommended that Ms. Cooper have a brief meeting with Budget Indian River County, Florida Page 8