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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final September 10, 2025 <br />he was proposing to return the $6 million to the General Fund and move forward with <br />funding the Sheriff for $12 million from the reserve account. She explained that the <br />Chairman proposed withdrawing $12 million in recurring dollars from the reserve <br />account. <br />Commissioner Earman was not prepared to make a motion until after hearing public <br />comments and staff input. <br />Chairman Flescher opened the public hearing. <br />Donna Flaherty sought and received information about the dollar amount the Sheriff <br />requested, and was opposed to the increase. <br />Michael Marsh expressed that he has witnessed the Sheriffs department actively <br />working in the community day in and day out. He highlighted the positive contributions <br />the deputies made every day and commended the Sheriffs Office Explorer Program, <br />which gave young adults the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public safety <br />careers. <br />Tony Consalo supported fully funding the Sheriff, believing that $6.8 million or $6.2 <br />million should come from the General Fund, with the remaining funds sourced from the <br />Reserves. <br />Jo Anne Barnhart applauded the Board for maintaining the millage rate and being <br />prudent with taxpayer dollars. She emphasized that the primary role of government <br />was public safety and expressed that the County was very fortunate to have Eric <br />Flowers as Sheriff. He has demonstrated strong leadership in law and order, notably <br />advancing the Sheriffs Office into the 21st century through initiatives such as the <br />real-time crime center and license plate readers. She also recognized the valuable <br />work he has done with the inmate population, including the farm training program for <br />women inmates and established connections with local businesses to help those exiting <br />the system find jobs. She supported fully funding for the Sheriff's Office. <br />A County resident stated that she has spent her entire adult career working in <br />Municipal, County, and State Government. As a government employee with several <br />years of law enforcement experience, she, along with her husband, who has 42 years <br />in the field, believed the Sheriff deserved full funding. <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 3 <br />