Indian River County considers $460K salary for medical examiner Dr. Veronica

The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss a contentious salary increase for the medical examiner, Dr. Veronica Aronica. The proposed raise, which would elevate her annual salary to $460,000, has sparked significant debate among county officials.

At the heart of the discussion was the need to retain Dr. Aronica, who has been credited with eliminating backlogs and securing over $380,000 in grants for her office. Her current salary stands at $367,000, and the proposed increase represents a $92,057 jump. The board previously rejected a higher request of $495,000, but following discussions with representatives from St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties, a consensus emerged to offer the reduced amount.

County Administrator's recommendation emphasized the potential loss of service quality if Dr. Aronica were to leave, noting that finding a replacement could take six to nine months. The other counties expressed willingness to cover any shortfall if Indian River County opted not to fund its share of the increase, highlighting the collaborative nature of the interlocal agreement governing the medical examiner's office.

Despite the support from some commissioners, concerns were raised about the substantial increase, with some officials questioning the process and the precedent it sets for future salary negotiations. The board ultimately voted to approve the salary increase, acknowledging the necessity of maintaining a qualified medical examiner while grappling with the implications for taxpayer funding.

As the board moves forward, the decision underscores the delicate balance between ensuring quality public service and managing fiscal responsibility in the face of rising costs.