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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final August 11, 2025 <br />decision-making process. Administrator Titkanich agreed to draft a formal letter but <br />stated that providing specific information was premature because the Board had not <br />yet approved of the budget. The review of the proposed budget and millage rate was <br />scheduled for September 10, 2025, with final approval planned for September 17, <br />2025. Following approval, a letter would be prepared based on the finalized funding <br />details for the Sheriff's office, which currently did not meet the requirements specified <br />by Florida Statute 30.49, Chapter 4. <br />Chairman Flescher and Administrator Titkanich discussed proposed salary increases <br />for the Sheriffs department staff, with estimates of $9,000 for deputies and $3,500 <br />for civilian employees. The discussion addressed concerns regarding potential deputy <br />departures, although the Sheriff had asserted that the department maintained adequate <br />staffing levels. Chairman Flescher supported implementing gradual salary increases to <br />promote safety and minimize taxpayer burden. In contrast, reports indicated that the <br />Sheriff opposed a phased approach. This exchange highlighted uncertainties regarding <br />the financial implications of increased personnel costs for taxpayers. <br />Vice Chairman Loar emphasized that it was misleading to assert that the Board was <br />cutting the Sheriff's budget. He explained that although the Board was reducing the <br />Sheriff's initial request, the overall budget was increasing by more than 6%. To clarify, <br />the Board was not cutting the Sheriff's budget; it was merely adjusting his request.He <br />pointed out that the Board was making a significant increase from last year's budget. <br />Chairman Flescher stressed the need to meet ad valorem tax revenue targets to <br />ensure adequate funding for services. He noted that the Sheriff's request of over $12 <br />million would significantly impact the overall budget. He also underscored the <br />responsibility to serve more than 170,000 residents and support over 1,000 County <br />employees. He requested that the Administrator clarify the budget figures for the <br />upcoming year in comparison to last year. <br />Administrator Titkanich cautioned that fully funding the Sheriff's budget request could <br />reduce support for other essential services, including Natural Resources, Public <br />Works, Parks and Recreation, Community Services, and Libraries. With a $3.6 <br />million shortfall, these areas faced potential layoffs and service reductions. The <br />discussion also addressed the 2030 mandate to transition from septic to sewer <br />systems, which was expected to cost the County approximately $500 million in public <br />infrastructure. About 70% of the General Fund was already committed to mandatory <br />expenses for Constitutional Offices and State Agencies, underscoring the need for <br />careful financial planning. <br />Commissioner Earman commended the County Administrator and Budget Director <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 3 <br />