INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers is seeking a solution to the budget standoff he is engaged in with the county.
On Monday, the sheriff shared a letter with the media, which he also sent to the county, revising his original budget from $14.6 million to $12.2 million.
In the letter, the sheriff said his new request leaves both unfunded and deferred needs. It also had some strong words for the county administrator.
"My multiple attempts to negotiate in good faith with the County Administrator have been met with resistance and a clear lack of understanding about the public safety priorities Governor (Ron) DeSantis has set for local government. The men and women of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, as well as the great people of our community, recognize the importance of first responders and are counting on you to fund our essential mission. Indian River County continues to be a great, safe place to live, work, and play because of the hard work of our first responders," the letter said.
The county administrator told WPTV last month it was unlikely the sheriff's initial full request would have been approved.
A final decision on the budget must be made by September.
Read below the full letter that Flowers sent to Indian River County commissioners:
Read more of WPTV's coverage below:
Region Indian River County
Budget battle over deputy pay continues as sheriff rallies public support
Region Indian River County
Funding feud continues between Indian River County and sheriff over $14.6M
Region Indian River County
