Commission pauses vote on ISPD contract after revised budget numbers

The Redington Shores Board of Commissioners delayed a vote on a renewed contract with the Indian Shores Police Department after updated budget figures were submitted the afternoon of May 13. Town Manager Margaret Carey told commissioners the revised numbers required additional review and that no vote would be taken at the meeting.

Chief Lee Ann Holroyd told the Commission that "ISPD proposed a 5% increase for Fiscal Year 2027." Commissioners questioned the timing, whether to cap future increases and whether to renew the current contract or draft a new agreement. Attorney Robert Eschenfelder said he would draft a new contract reflecting the proposed increase and asked the Commission for direction and a special meeting to approve it.

During public comment, resident Jennie Blackburn said she "did not understand how the proposed fee went from 600k to 800k back to 600k," and Mary Gerst expressed concern about the contract timeline. Rich Perez urged the Town to retain ISPD as first responders while noting that employee costs were the largest budget item and suggesting the Town should continue to cover maintenance costs.

No formal action to approve a contract was taken; the assembled direction was for the town attorney to work with Indian Shores' counsel to prepare contract language and schedule a special meeting for a final decision.