The meeting began with Doug Thomas, an executive vice president with Strategic Government Resources, detailing the rigorous selection process for the County Attorney position. This process included advertising the position, evaluating candidates through questionnaires, pre-recorded video interviews, and writing samples. The council aimed to ensure a thorough assessment of each candidate’s qualifications.

The council then conducted interviews with two finalists. Schuler’s extensive experience, especially her successful work with FEMA, was highlighted. One commissioner noted her achievement in securing a second request for half a million dollars for the county as a significant accomplishment.

Public records law and its implications for the county were also key discussion points. A speaker emphasized the importance of handling public records requests promptly and noted that Indian River County’s streamlined approach through the “just FOIA” system could potentially be fine-tuned for better efficiency. The speaker stressed that managing public records is a constitutional and statutory duty.

The council discussed the projected population growth of the county, expected to increase from approximately 167,000 to an estimated 210,000 by 2050. Effective planning for this growth to maintain community character and avoid unplanned sprawl was deemed essential. Ongoing studies related to urban boundaries and utilities were commended as proactive measures to address future growth pressures.

Another topic was the candidate’s approach to handling difficult citizen encounters. One candidate recounted their experience as a dangerous dog prosecutor in Bay County, emphasizing professionalism and perspective in challenging situations. This experience was relevant given the county’s anticipated growth and the potential for increased citizen interactions and disputes.

The role of the County Attorney in educating commissioners and staff about legal matters was also highlighted. Candidates proposed systems of one-on-one briefings and weekly updates to keep the commission informed about significant legal issues and developments. This approach aims to ensure that all council members are well-informed and capable of making legally sound decisions.

The candidates discussed their reasons for pursuing a public sector career over the private sector, citing influences such as family background in public service and a commitment to serving the community. This dedication to public service was seen as an essential quality for the County Attorney role.

The relationship between the County Attorney and the County Administrator was underscored as critical. Candidates emphasized the need for a strong and open line of communication, recognizing that while the roles differ, respectful dialogue and collaboration are essential for effective governance.

The importance of relationships with city legal counsel and other constitutional offices was also noted. Candidates expressed a commitment to fostering productive relationships and working collaboratively to serve the county’s best interests. This collaborative approach extended to addressing growth challenges and ensuring due process for citizens in navigating property rights and legal implications of growth management.

The topic of short-term rentals was addressed, with discussions on local governments’ limitations in regulating vacation rentals due to state preemptions. Candidates shared their experiences and strategies for managing these issues within the legal framework, emphasizing the importance of building regulations and nuisance laws to address related problems.

Concerns about external legal costs were raised, with candidates expressing a commitment to minimizing reliance on outside counsel. They suggested that the County Attorney’s office could take on additional work to reduce unnecessary legal expenditures, stressing the importance of advising the council on cost-effective legal strategies.

As the meeting progressed, public comment was invited, allowing attendees to express their views on the County Attorney search. The facilitator encouraged an open dialogue among the commissioners, fostering a collaborative approach in evaluating the candidates and determining the next steps. There was a consensus among council members about the strength of both candidates, but Schuler’s extensive experience and detailed first-year plan ultimately made her the preferred choice.

The chair confirmed that the final terms of the employment contract would return to the council for approval.