HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-072ERIC FLOWERS, as Sheriff of
Indian River County, Florida,
Plaintiff/Petitioner,
VS.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, a
Political subdivision of the State of Florida,
Defendant/Respondent.
A TRUE COPY
CERTIFICATION ON LAST PAGE
RYAN L. BUTLER, CLERK
Case No: 312025 CA 000769
Admin No: SBA -25-004
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Petitioner/Plaintiff, Eric Flowers, as Sheriff of Indian River County, Florida (hereinafter
"Sheriff') and Respondent, Indian River County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida,
(hereinafter "County") hereby stipulate and agree as follows:
FACTS
This agreement is based upon the following statements of fact:
1. The County held a Final Budget hearing on September 17, 2025, approving the 2025-2026
budget, which increased the Sheriffs budget by $6,861,517 for a total budget of
$85,773,472. The Sheriffs total request was for a $12,214,886 increase to the 2025-2026
budget for a total of $91,126,841. The difference between the two is $5,353,369.
2. On October 2, 2025, the Sheriff filed a Complaint for Writ of Mandamus, Circuit Court
case number 312025CA769, alleging procedural issues with the County's budget process.
3. On October 20, 2025, the County held a Special Call meeting to discuss the Sheriff's
budget request and approved the Sheriffs funding at the previously approved level of
$85,773,472.
4. The Sheriff timely filed a Petition to appeal the County's budget decision pursuant to
Florida Statute 30.49 to the Administration Commission on October 23, 2025, case number
SBA -25-004.
5. The County filed timely responses to each action.
6. The County and the Sheriff have negotiated this agreement to settle all matters and resolve
all areas of dispute.
TERMS
Based upon the above facts and in consideration of mutual covenants contained herein, the
County and the Sheriff agree as follows:
1. It is the intent of this agreement to fully resolve all issues raised in both Circuit Court case
number 312025CA769 and Florida Administration Commission Case number SBA -25-004
A TRUE COPY
CERTIFICATION ON LAST PAGE
RYAN L. BUTLER, CLERK
relating to the Sheriff's 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. It is also the intent of both parties
that this agreement address and resolve the Sheriff's 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.
2. The Parties agree that this agreement contains the entire and exclusive understanding and
agreement of the Parties and may not be amended or modified except by mutual, signed
agreement of Parties.
3. The signatories hereto represent and warrant that they have read this agreement, that they
understand the terms thereof, and that they are executing the same voluntarily and upon
their best judgment, solely for the consideration herein described.
4. This agreement shall become effective upon the last date of signing by the Parties.
5. Within 24 hours of the County signing, the Sheriff shall file a notice of voluntary dismissal
of case number 312025CA769 in the Circuit Court of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.
6. Within five (5) days of the County signing, the Sheriff shall file a withdrawal of his appeal
number SBA -25-004 and all pending petitions filed with the Florida Administration
Commission pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 28-43.006.
7. The County agrees to provide additional appropriations to the Sheriff in the form of a
budget amendment in the amount of $3,500,000 as provided by Florida law.
8. This amount shall be added to the Sheriff's 2025-2026 budget for a new total budget of
$89,273,472.
9. The Sheriff agrees to make no further budget amendment requests during the 2025-2026
fiscal year except in the event of an emergency as declared by federal, state, or local
officials affecting Indian River County that materially impacts the Sheriff's budget.
10. The Sheriff and County agree to a $4,000,000 increase in the Sheriff's 2026-2027 budget
for a total budget of $93,273,472. The Sheriff agrees not to appeal the 2026-2027 budget
funded in this amount.
11. The Sheriff agrees to provide the County with all detailed budgetary information as
required by law for the 2026-2027 budget.
12. Each party shall bear its own attorney's fees and costs.
IN WITNE WHE OF, the Parties hereto have caused this agreement to be executed by
their under ned o ials as duly authorized.
By:
Eric Flowers
Indian River County
Date Signed: C. )o 2
Attorney Or®Indian River County Sheriff
.• 'gip hl M/ss••
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOA�I '' .•F��:`
OF COUNTY COMMISSIONFM-.
By:
Deiyl Loar, Chairman 91%R�, •�;.._.r'•�'
Date Signed:
ATTEST: RYAN L. BUTLER, CLERK TO THE
BOARD AND COMPTROLLER
By:
eputy Clerk
APPROVEP:
By:
�v V
Y
John A. itkanich, Jr.
County Administrator
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
By: "
04ennifei Shuler
County Attorney
STATE OF FLORIDA
SOIAM RIVER COUNTY
TMB 1 CERTIFY THAT T IS A TRt1E AND CORRECT
C THE ORIGINAL W T OFiICE
97
DATE ��' Z