Sheriff and county spar over $14.6 million budget request as deputies and residents press for raises

Sheriff Eric Flowers pressed the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners on July 9 for a $14.6 million increase to his proposed FY2026 budget, saying most of the added money is needed to raise deputy and civilian pay and to retain staff. County Administrator John Tkanic told the board he recommended a smaller increase — roughly $4.7 million — and warned the board to be cautious about long-term fiscal commitments.

Flowers told the board he had submitted his budget on May 1 and said the sheriffs office needs more money to avoid losing deputies to neighboring agencies. "If you choose to fund less than what Im asking for, you are required by [statute] to provide me in writing exactly what it is that Im supposed to cut," he said, citing Florida Statute 30.49 in his presentation to underscore the statutory…