The proposed budget for 2024-2025 is set at $524.58 million, a decrease of $17.9 million from the current year’s amended budget. However, it represents an increase of $17.8 million compared to the previous fiscal year’s adopted budget. Public safety remains a priority, with $145.7 million (28% of the total budget) allocated to law enforcement, emergency services, and fire protection. This includes $8.9 million for the Sheriff’s Office and $66.8 million for emergency services and fire.

In a notable move, the council also approved funding for school resource officers, maintaining a 50/50 cost split with the local school district. Additionally, the implementation of a classification compensation study for county employees was ratified, costing $8.68 million. This follows recent approvals of contract increases for various employee unions.

The meeting included discussions on several tax rates. The general fund millage rate was set at 3.5475 mills, which is 7.77% above the rollback rate of 3.2918 mills. For the Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU), the proposed millage is 1.56 mills, 7.24% above the rollback rate. The Emergency Services District millage rate was set at 2.3531 mills, 7.31% above the rollback rate.

A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to environmental conservation. The council discussed the first year of the environmental lands or sensitive lands acquisition bond series, with a proposed millage of 0.639 mills.

The Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County sent a letter, read during the meeting, expressing gratitude for the council’s efforts in environmental protection. The coalition urged the council to allocate at least 20% of the optional sales tax revenue to Lagoon projects for an additional five years. This appeal underscores the community’s strong support for sustainable environmental practices and the restoration of local water bodies.