Sheriff demands full budget funding to ensure operational parity with local firefighters

The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners convened on July 9, 2025, for a budget workshop focused on the upcoming fiscal year. The primary agenda item was the funding request from the Sheriff’s Office, which highlighted the ongoing challenges of budget constraints and the need for adequate resources to maintain law enforcement operations.

Sheriff's Office representatives emphasized the necessity of a budget increase of approximately $14 million to cover salaries, operational costs, and essential equipment. The Sheriff pointed out that if the commission decided to allocate less than the requested amount, they would be required by law to provide written justification for specific cuts. This request comes amid rising operational costs, including healthcare and equipment maintenance, which have significantly impacted the department's ability to function effectively.

The Sheriff expressed concern over the perception of tax increases, noting that while the millage rate remained unchanged, property values had risen, resulting in higher taxes for residents. He argued that the Sheriff's Office should be prioritized in the budget process, stating, "We should not be the scraps at the end of the budget process." He also drew comparisons to the funding provided to firefighters, advocating for similar support for law enforcement personnel to ensure retention and morale.

In response, county officials clarified that the millage rate had been held steady, and any tax increases were due to rising property values rather than changes in tax policy. They explained the concept of "rollback," which refers to adjusting the millage rate to maintain the same revenue level as the previous year. The current recommended millage rate is 3.5475, which is 6.69% above the rollback rate.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of budget management and the need for clear communication between the Sheriff's Office and the county administration. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further review the budget proposals and consider the Sheriff’s requests as part of the ongoing budget deliberations. The next steps will involve continued discussions and public input as the county prepares for the final budget approval.