VERO BEACH — Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers gave an impassioned plea to county commissioners on Wednesday, July 9, to fully fund his $14 million budget request, warning that failing to do so could result in staff departures, operational cuts, and risks to public safety.
“I’m asking from you 14 and change this year to fund our budget,” Flowers said during the commission meeting. “If you choose to fund one penny less than what I’m asking for, you are required by the statute to provide in writing exactly what it is that I’m supposed to cut from this.”
Flowers cited Florida Statute 30.49, which mandates a written explanation from the county for any reductions to a sheriff’s proposed budget…