>> We're She That. Good
morning, everyone. Welcome to
the MARCH 24th Board of County
Commission meetings. Rather
packed agenda today. We will
start with a moment of silence
for first responders and
members of our
>> armed forces. And then we
will have the and vocation
performed by Rabbi Rose
Durban, which is new to the
area. And we will welcome her.
And this we are first time
reforming the and locations.
Please
>> We ask you, I don't I sort
of wisdom in breath. We gather
in a space where decisions
carry real consequence where
leadership is not abstract but
lived in the daily lives of
this community. Our tradition
calls us to holiness not in
retreat, but in responsibility
to build a society. Where is
our Torah? Teaches we do not
stand idly by the Bring our
neighbor, but instead pursue
justice again and again until
it takes root. So we ask Grant
these leaders clarity of mind,
unsteadiness of heart help
them to see beyond the
immediate to way. Not only
what is expedient, but what is
right. As the Prophet Micah
reminds us the work of
leadership is to do justice to
love mercy and to walk humbly
with GOD to hold power with
compassion and a temper
conviction with humility. Is
our sages teach the world
itself stands on 3 pillars on
justice, on truth peace. Let
these pillars ground this
chamber guiding every
conversation shaping every
decision. All who serve here.
Remember that every person in
this county is created.
LaMelo. In the image of GOD
each life carrying infant
dignity and worth. Bless these
leaders with the courage to
choose wisely the patients to
listen deeply and the
integrity to serve the common
good. Can he rots owed made
the speed GOD's will and let
us say I
>> And thank you, Rabbi. Let's
welcome our new robot to I'm
standing and join us in the
budget led by our county
administrator
>> like the lag United States
of America and nation GOD,
indivisible, liberty and
justice for all.
>> Well, thank you. Fellow
commissioners that leads us to
any additions or deletions for
today's meeting. Its chair
move approval have a motion to
approve by Commissioner
Fletcher in a second by
Commissioner. Adam, any
further discussions? Hearing?
None all in favor. Aye.
Commissioners. The next item
today will be a a remarkable
proclamation of the different
Historical Museum and Cultural
Center, but MR. Richard Lough
ski.
>> Thank you. Commissioner
joining a Pierre who is the
executive director. The museum
is going see will say some
words. First.
>> Thank you. And good
morning. Where there's no
vision. The people perish.
However, 29 18. The Giver
Clarkson Centre and Museum is
a legacy to the
African-American communities
throughout Indian River
County. Many of us up in it do
more than projects. We are
connected through families
through memories and to really
experiences that helped shape
giver and surrounding
communities across
generations. The Carter
Center's services already been
deeply into was with the
contra light of this town. It
is an anchor to preserve in
the river counties.
African-Americans store it
past. The giver culture settle
with That day news for indoor
or outdoor performances and
its unique ampitheater.
Alright gallery, a gift shop
spaces, both social
educational and cultural
activities all while enjoying
that in mind. The King Park.
This owner, Rick contribute to
the local battalla t of the
county. But right in visitors
supporting arms is serving as
a beacon. But a life long,
creative learning. And that
verse caught experience We are
not become is something
separate from the county. We
formalizing a responsibility
to it. This culture, is
somethign sacred to us. So
that future generations
inherit a space dedicated to
cut rate indication, shared
history and spirit grounding.
Commissioners. You have
supported this vision and proj
it from the beginning with the
resolution of commitment. And
we are thankful. For U.S.
Support. Together. Let us
continue to make Indian River
County not only and it's quiz
that place to live, but also
to visit. We present the gift
Cultural Center and museum.
>> I stood here so many times
for so many reasons. And as
always sitting while Jenny was
speaking, it sort of hit me.
This is for me. This has been
a real 100 work on this
project. Part of that goes to
the fact that all of you been
so supportive on every level.
Commissioner Fletcher, I
remember the first meeting we
had when this was just an
idea. How encouraging you
were, how every commissioner
has been supportive, though,
everyone on senior staff,
everyone on planning staff, it
should have never been
associated with something was
just so fulfilling. You MAY
remember because I think some
of you were there at the large
meeting we had at different
community center, the sheer et
with led by the Lord
Consulting where we went over
all the things the community
wanted in this project and I'm
pleased to say everything's
been incorporated. We charged
architect. Next Brito of Road
splits. Brito to not only
fulfill all of those
programmatic elements, but to
create something that would be
truly a lasting icon in Indian
River County. And I think
you're going to see between
this coming cultural center
and museum. The new give
reviews orchestra that we're
creating a cultural center on
the mainland truth to rival
what we have with the Vero
Beach Museum of Art, the
Riverside Theater, maybe not
quite on the scale, but I
think in terms of meaning. So
we're going to play a foreman
and 39 second video because I
know we have time constraints.
The architect prepared showing
this project. I'm going to be
you're going to be watching
the video. I'm going to be
watching your faces. Thank
That.
We'll be back soon with the
formal sub middle for the
project been. I'm sure we can
go into details then if you
have any questions, happy to
Now. Well, know you look like
you're happy. Really getting a
new that this is going to be a
special project. I guess
perceived it as a conventional
project. That is nothing.
>> Like a conventional project
mentioned something in the
very beginning. Very willful.
Extremely wrapped around this
project. And always very
excited. And then my what was
going forward? So fortunate he
will be here. To see the
e#
#
of this building. The
project. I just I'm
overwhelmed by seeing it. As
you know, there might be a
change in NOVEMBER I can't go
away from going to get the
gold shovel. I'm going to be
here for you. Because this has
been a long road. I also
sense. After looking at that
video that we are going to
see. A lot more fundraising
kuz. That's a project. We were
really confident.
>> You know you that, you
know, it is it has national
impact. We're delighted that
the next item is about Jackie
Robinson, who is a big part of
of the story. We've had the
support of the Peter o'Malley
and it's exciting again. I
think all of you for the
support for for everyone
leadership staff. It's been a
joy to work with you on this
and looking forward to that
day. When we hand you the
golden shovel Joe. Thank you.
Thank you Have any questions
happy to answer? Well done.
Thank you. Thank you. Exciting
times for tourists.
Commissioner, the next item is
exciting as well and thus be
presented by Commissioner Joe
Herman, which is a
proclamation honoring Jackie
Robinson and celebrating the
2026. Jackie Robinson
celebration game.
>> Most of you know that
commissioner monies. A
professional umpire. All types
baseball weather, little
league or high school or
otherwise. So Commissioner
Mirman. Thank you, MR.
CHAIRMAN.
>> Jackie Robinson, folks come
on up. Thank Thanks for being
here today. And it's my honor
to present this proclamation.
CHAIRMAN Said I'm huge
baseball fan. Not a probably
his biggest fan is Curtis
Carpenter is but but I'm a
huge baseball fan and I do
spend a good part of my time
this year, a pirate high
school and middle school
baseball amendment katial
college out Jackie Robinson
actually that they come here.
So baseball is near dear to my
heart. But I'm also a
historian in a pan of history
and and I have followed this
story of Jackie Robinson ever
since I was a kid followed
well, Khalid Dodger town.
That's what I that's what it
was when I grew up, it was
Dodger town and I was
fortunate as a young man to.
Have a have a did that had
tickets season tickets for all
the spring training games we
get to go when the adults were
going take all my friends and
see all the great players play
sos. It was really cool.
Really impressive. So I've
seen I've seen a lot of
baseball my time playing a lot
of baseballs. Try to play
meant softballs about low
like-new down. But other than
that, this is near and dear to
me because of that fact that I
am huge baseball So it's my
honor to read this
proclamation and let me do so.
This is a proclamation
honoring Jackie Robinson
celebrating the 2026 Jackie
Robinson celebration game.
Where is? 4/15/2026 marks the
79th anniversary of Jackie
Robinson breaking Major League
Baseball's color barrier in
1947. With the Brooklyn
Dodgers becoming the first
African-American to play in
Major League Baseball. And
whereas Jackie Robinson spent
9 spring trainings 1948.
Through 1956. At Dodger. Tim
in Vero Beach, Florida, where
the Brooklyn Dodgers advance
to the World Series 5 times
and whereas Dodge account
became the first fully
integrated spring training
site in the south in 1948.
Serving as a beacon of
progress during a time of
segregation. And whereas the
Jackie Robinson celebration
game will take place on
Wednesday. 4/15/2026 at home
in stadium at the Jackie
Robinson training complex with
the Jupiter hammerheads and
the Palm Beach frozen iguanas
facing off to honor of Jackie
Robinson's legacy while
raising funds for the United
Way of Indian River County.
Whereas this event brings
residents and visitors to
gather to celebrate history.
Enjoy America's past time and
give back to the local
community now. Therefore, be
it proclaimed by the board of
County Commissioners have any
river County, Florida that we
honor the life and legacy of
Jackie Robinson recognize the
importance of the Jackie
Robinson celebration game and
encourage residents and
visitors to participate in
this meaningful of them on
4/15/2026 adopted this 24 day
of MARCH 2026 and signed by
all 5 county commissioners.
There it is. Welcome. Thank
you.
>> Thank you. Commissioners.
Good Morning. America begin
ceo United Way. Usually I
stand before you with.
>> difficult complicated
request. So I'm happy today to
be here to celebrate something
and not be asking you for some
hard decision.
>> It's a pleasure to be here
to celebrate Jackie Robinson
and I love that. We're also
celebrating the different
cultural museum. I think that
that's a testament to the
history and the culture and
the legacy of our community of
Jackie Gifford. So they really
some synergy there. I love
that. And you said, you know,
commissioner, you know, sports
has a way of uniting us of
uniting our community. Unlike
many other things when we have
so much sports has a way to
bring the community together.
And then this cell just around
this team is just so sick, so
missed. So the fact that we're
back for another year or so
excited and as you said,
Wednesday, APRIL 15th, which
is Jackie Robinson Day across
all of Major League Baseball
this year, it's game is
sponsored by our friends from
Merrill Lynch. And I'm joined
today by branch and Bow
Scott's words and Jeremy Hsu,
a nurse or so excited. We're
all so yes, baseball
number-one fan, Chris
Carpenter, Board, member of
United Way. And you all know
Rachel, from Jackie Robinson
Training Center. So we are
also happy to be here in
partnership with Major League
Baseball. And the game is more
about more than just baseball.
It is a tribute to Jackie
Robinson is enduring legacy,
unite our community. And as
you said, raises funds for
United Way's 48 programs. We
touch one in 4 people in
Indian River County with our
programs. Think look around
the room, right? One in 4
people are supported by our
program. So the proceeds from
the game go to support those
vital programs. We hope you'll
join us for this special
evening. Gates Open at 05:00pm
opening ceremony is at 06:00pm
followed by the first pitch
precisely 6.42. As a nod to
Jackie's number. The game
began in 2014 is an annual
tradition to honor Robinson's
historic impact on sports and
all of society on APRIL 15th,
1947, he shattered baseball's
color barrier by making Major
league debut with the Brooklyn
Dodgers. The Dodgers, not the
Yankees, sir. Right here in
Indian River County. And that
is an often overlooked the
fact that this happened right
here in our community and
Holman stadium played a
pivotal role in his story
serving as the first
integrated spank spring
training facility in all of
the south. The game is a
testament to the power of
sports and how it inspires
connects and brings people
together for a shared purpose.
So commissioners, we are
deeply grateful for your
support in making this event
possible. And for bringing
baseball back to our community
in a way that also strengthens
United Way's mission. Thank
you being part of the
celebration. And for all you
do support Indian River County
and we hope to see you all at
the ballpark. Thank you very
much.
>> Thank you, Meredith. I
could said it better myself.
She We are so lucky. Have
great partners and United Way.
What they do is amazing. We
can put on this event without
them.
>> I have to echo that and
thanking County administration
and the commissioners. You all
have been so supportive on our
vision to carry the Jackie
Robinson training complex into
its new are in vanilla to do
some incredible things,
including bringing this came
back last year. It's just been
a real pleasure to do so and
celebrate Jackie's legacy with
you all and his impact on this
community. So thank you all
for your support and looking
forward to see many of you out
there on APRIL 15th, thank
you.
>> Thank you. This is where
uniform that
>> One we Well. Yes, our
friends
>> Different cultural. We'd
like to come up for a photo
wearing that t-shirt. Mark
this up here. Was all wrong.
Need to document. That was the
CHAIRMAN More. You got any
aren't Well, the they have to
be able to find you to get the
project Oranges light want all
right. It's a tall guy, right?
Fun of presents street spread
of
>> And hurricanes it was has
tested. If everything here in
to I'm going with thank
Commissioners. That brings us
to the approval the minutes we
did not have any minutes to
approve. The next is
informational items.
>> For the commission required
for action. We has a nice
opportunity this morning to
recognize. Our Office of
Management Budget. MR. Rudd
Minister.
>> Yes, MISTER CHAIRMAN,
members of the board Christian
Daniels. In the back. It's
just gonna make your way up
here. And the U.S. Take the
opportunity.
>> The county continues to be
in coordination. Many of the
department has put large
measure due to the to the hard
work of Christian Daniels and
their staff Healy's Kaylee,
Rhonda, worry, if they do an
amazing job every year. And
for 35 years in a government
finance finance officers
Association, this award Indian
River County, the
Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award. And that's
the same for this current
year. 25 26. And also there
was a certificate recognition
been presented to the omb as
the department. Doesn't. It is
primarily responsible for
having achieved the ward. And
as I mentioned, is the 35th
consecutive year. Dovetails
nicely with the effort of the
clerk of the court and they're
on it. And comptroller that
just continued reinforcement
and that the county is
committed to fiscal
responsibility and
transparency. So we think
Kristen and her team for our
efforts and for producing an
amazing budget document every
year.
>> Thank you. We certainly
appreciate that. The officer,
very h#
#
o#
the book hundreds
of pages. If anyone would ever
like to read it page by But
there's a lot of great
information on all of the
departments throughout the
county and what they do. Yeah,
what we've read, read Thank
you. We appreciate that. He
Yeah. And as John mentioned,
I'm special thanks to leasing
Kaylee in our worked on on the
but this past year and they
did a great job that takes it
takes months to get that book
out time. Yeah, they they
really they really do great
work on it. So thank you. We
appreciate it.
>> Thank you, Kristen.
Congratulations. Our next item
on the agenda is public
comment any items related to
the agenda? Hearing. None are
seeing none. I was remiss I
would like to Assistant
General counsel Chris Hixon to
the Diocese Morning. Welcome,
Chris. There's that brings us
to the consent agenda. What's
your pleasure?
>> MR. CHAIRMAN move approved
second. We have a motion by
Commissioner Fletcher and
second by. Was one discussion
item, MR. Administrator on
item.
>> 90, I'm be yesterday.
Agenda items, correct? We just
used to exhibit days and we
need to remove the second
exhibit because it's related
to a different project for
station 7. But the the initial
exhibit a is correct for the
item.
>> So no did not appreciate.
Attorney Hicks pulling that
out for us. We have a motion
and we have a second with the
so item agenda modification
all in favor. And the motion.
Next item will be
constitutional officers and
government agencies. And I see
in the audience, we welcome
the Honorable Leslie Swan.
Welcome.
>> Good Morning, Chairman
Lauren Commissioners. We've
been busy at the supervisor of
elections office and I have a
couple of different requests
for You today. First, I am
respectfully requesting to
have the revenue that we
received from there a fine
initiative petitions roll back
into our 2025. 2026 budget.
You know, the Legislature
passed a sweeping initiative
petition bill and there was a
lot of extra cost that we
really kind of had an
anticipated. But we were also
allowed to raise our price for
verifying this petition. So
I'm looking to have $20,525
rollback in 20 budget. That's
first item. The second is we
had a special election for the
town of Orchid. They have 531
voters. So I'm asking to have
those funds which were $1593
to conduct election. Roll back
into my budget. And then the
last part has to do with
polling places. I'm seeking
your approval to move the
polling place at the Moose
Lodge on 43rd Avenue over to
the ig Center in one of the
rooms for Election Day. We're
having some issues with the
mode of being at the Moose
Lodge. And so we thought it
would be better if we moved it
over to the Richardson Center
and they've agreed to have us.
And also we are going to add a
additional polling place
because of the growth of the
county. And that is going to
be at the Wheeler campus. At
the Richardson Center that I
say the first woman the ig
Center. Yeah, it and then this
one is going to be at the
Richardson Center.
>> Commissioners, we have 2
items. Hear those separately.
What's your pleasure.
>> chair go ahead
>> move approval for the 2
financial request that will
ensure that the supervisor
elections.
>> and return for those
requests and that she can
place them in her, in fact,
into a budget. Second, we have
a motion by commissioner.
>> Leisure and second by
vice-chair moss. Further
discussion. Hearing, none all
in favor. Aye. The motion
passes unanimously. MR.
Fletcher.
>> Again, for the locations,
billion. But the it the 3rd
item h c locations.
>> I did have a question of.
MADAM Supervise. 80's. This
how many locations is this to
increase and relation to the
public relations? We just want
just one
>> the other one, we're
relocating. And you have
funding for the location. Yes.
Move approval. Emotional
second. It any further
discussion. Hearing none. We
have a motion by Commissioner
Fletcher and second by myself
all in favor. Aye.
>> And the motion passes.
Thank you.
>> Thank you so much. I
appreciate it. Thank you.
Commissioner. The next public
item. It is will be presented
by for omb director Chris, to
Daniels, miscellaneous Budget
Amendment. Welcome again,
Chris.
>> Thank you. Good morning
commissioners, Kristen
Daniels, budget director
before you today is Budget
Amendment 4 which uses cash to
fund various items such as the
cia rollover Purchase orders
board approved projects
necessary budget amendments
per Florida statute. One 29.0,
0, 6, 2, f whenever the budget
end it using cash, a public
hearing must be held. So today
staff, Rick, recommends that
after the public hearing is
held, the board approved a
resolution amending the fiscal
year. 25 26 budget and I'm
available if you have any
questions on the amendment
>> commissioners hopefully get
an opportunity to review this.
I hadn't and up discussion
would director. What's your
pleasure? We do have public
hearing.
>> This time. Thank you. We
will have a public hearing.
Anyone will like him to
comment on our miscellaneous
budget amendments.
>> We'll prove that Michael.
>> ample time public comment.
We will close public comment
now. Commissioner for
triplets. So we have a motion
by commissioner items a second
by vice-chair moss, any
further discussions. Hearing,
none all in favor. And the
motion carries. Thank You just
can't. Commissioners moving
right along to department
matters and or community
service. 13 be one. We have
the children Services Advisory
Committee return on
investment. Presentation. A of
Deputy Administrator Zito and
others. Joining us today.
Good
morning and welcome.
>> Good morning to the chair
and to the commission and our
county administrator. We want
to thank you so much. Over the
last 3 years you have given
the autonomy for our staff to
build up really strong
oversight measures working
with our agencies, providing
professional development and
also supporting in diversified
funding for our our nonprofits
and support programs. And
today, I'm really excited to
have our Human services
administrator share the return
on investment. And I'm going
to give the floor over Megan
Kanka.
>> Bunge or Commission. I just
flew in from Italy last night.
So wonderful
>> So getting I was like, it's
so much different than waking
up in Florence having coffee
itself. Thank you for having
us this morning. Today. We are
going to quickly talk about
the return on investment and
children services. Last year
we did a comprehensive return
on investment. The board
requested some additional more
researched more recent data.
So that is what we're going to
be presenting to you today. If
you want to see the full
return on investment is on our
website. So last year we
talked about the return on
investment. We showed research
that proved anywhere between
$2.70 up to $16 was returned
for every dollar invested in
children. The reason is simple
prevention cost less that
intervention. Programs that
support children early help
prevent more costly outcomes
later in life and health care,
education, remediation, social
services and the criminal
justice system. Sorry, I was
cooking. Just click away. So
the investment we make Indian
River County is not a
coincidence. It is based off
of our 5 year. Comprehensive
needs assessment. This needs
assessment is evaluated every
year we talked to local
experts across multiple
sectors. We go over thousands
of pieces of data. Like I
said, updated annually and
within the last 2 years we
have received over 1000
responses from parents and
community members on what
their local deeds are.
>> And with that, we have come
with 3 funding priorities. You
guys have all heard heard
them. But for the public, its
health and well-being,
nurturing families and
communities and success in
school and life. So we show
you the new data around the
return on investment is around
those funding priorities that
were identified in a needs
assessment. So the first new
piece data came from the MARCH
of Dimes 2024 study that show
that nationally, one in 10
babies born premature. That's
about 370,000 babies
nationally across the United
States. Des Preterm birth cost
the United States about 25
point 2 billion dollars every
year. However, the research
shows that with prenatal care,
maternal health services it
early health support. They
dramatically reduce these
risks, saving the taxpayers
billions of dollars. The
bottom line is that healthy
start say the u save U.S.
billions and create healthier
families, stronger workers and
a stronger economy. The return
on investment around health
and well-being. This was the
Center of Disease Control and
Prevention in 2024, it showed
that each year more than 600.
1000 children are confirmed
victims of abuse or neglect.
The cdc estimates that the
lifetime economic burden is
that 592 Billion. And that
what helps this is parenting,
education, family, support and
connections to community
resources that will help
prevent these crisis it before
they ever occur. The bottom
line here is that healthy
start looks sorry. We're going
to say. That the bottom line
is when we invest in programs
that parents and strengthen
families, we will have a
strong return on investment.
The next is around success in
school and life Nash and
nearly one in 3 children enter
kindergarten and not fully
ready to learn. This can cost
between 15 $50,000 and educate
additional education costs
from kindergarten through 12th
grade. But the research does
show that high-quality early
childhood programs generate
between 14 and 16% return. The
bottom line is early.
Childhood investments prepare
children for school while
supporting working families.
So they can go to work and
know that their child having a
safe, healthy environment to
thrive in. And finally, this
is something that I found very
interesting. This is a new
study. But as about
disconnected youth and I think
we see this across the board.
But about 11% of youth aged 16
24 feel disconnected from both
school and work, which is
about 4.3 million youth over a
lifetime. This could cost a
million dollars in one use.
When you look at the juvenile
health cost, the burden that
it has to some of our social
systems. So what the research
does show is that mentorship
enrichment and college and
career pathways that help you
feel connected. Well will help
us as a community prepare
these youth and make the
vibrant citizens of the few
check. This all goes back to
what the parents and
caregivers in Indian River
County are asking for. We did
a survey to see what parents
needed. We reached out to
community groups. We went to
different events all over the
county.
>> We had our Seas Act funded
programs, Bennett out word of
mouth, social media. And this
is what we found. 82% of
people responding to the
survey wanted increase in
funding and support their
children services while 16%
said they would like the
maintained funding. Only 2% of
all respondents asked for a
decrease in services or
funding. What do they want?
This goes right in line to it
with the research is they went
after school and youth
programs. They want housing
stability. That's not
something. The children
services funds at the time.
But it is something that is
affecting our families and
they want more access to
mental health. Sir Services,
smaller needs but still
important. Our special needs
and inclusion programs, parent
and family support and
childcare and early learning.
Summer, Jen barriers we saw
were food security and
transportation. So these
results are seeing now to our
to open ended questions. We
had, I would say probably 90%
of the people that do the
survey put in their written
response, which you usually
don't see in surveys. So this
is truly what you're hearing
from your community. So why is
this important and the
investment you all know that
children services right now
has over 21,000 touch points.
93% of all stated outcomes for
the programs that are funded
through children. Services
have that their outcomes and
100% of agencies all attended
professional development and
are using what they're
learning to strengthen their
program. I just want to thank
the board again for your
continued support without you.
This would not be happening
and we see it every day when
we go out to site visits. And
it's just wonderful what is
occurring out in the
community. There's a reference
is is anybody would like to
take a jacket? And with that,
I will turn it over if there's
any questions.
>> Thank As will say
commissioners, I think every
one of us have been involved
the second some point in our,
you know, careers. One thing
that stands out to me is the
100% participation the
participants showed up and in
the past, we know that
sometimes those could be.
There could be some
stragglers, quite frank with
you and thanks to. Kendrick
and the senator sent. I think
that's Froome are other words.
They know the direction that
expected of them. And proud of
that.
>> thank you. In fact, are
just talking to an
organization out in the foyer
before you walked in. And they
said because of some of the
professional development and
really strengthening their
program, they were able to
secure large amount of money
for a capital project by
sharing this. So we are
helping programs not only
through the outcomes but
really diversified funding. So
there's less burden on the
taxpayer dollar been too
early.
>> Thank you very much. And we
know that and result is our
children and Indian River
County are are healthier,
smarter happier.
Commissioners. Any further
comment? Thank you very much.
>> Well, there's more thing.
>> not done We are now moving
to 13 be too.
>> And this is the approval of
youth internship partnership
with Careersource Research.
Coast Development.
>> Good morning and welcome.
Good morning commissioners. So
real quick. I just wanted to
introduce Terry McGraw. She's
with Careersource. When you
saw the presentation we talked
about disconnected youth. I
think all parents can see it
when we're looking at are
teenagers in the cell phones
and just what's going on today
that there has to be
opportunity to get them out in
the real world. And so I was
very fortunate to meet Harry
Gras. What is going to speak a
little bit about their
program. But it's a program
where we can bring these youth
into our county and provide
mentorship, provide guidance,
showing all of the career
opportunities and wonderful
things happening in Indian
River County and hopefully
eventually build a very strong
pipeline.
>> So with that and then turn
it over to Terry. Thank you.
>> Again, it's a pleasure to
meet you. This is my first
time presenting so. So my name
again is Terry I am workforce
career coach for Careersource
Youth connections. We also
have an adult. We have an
adult side and I work with you
16 to 24. So are you
connections, program and
targets the disadvantaged
populations. So we work with
high school seniors in school
youth and out of school ages
16 to 24 who are unemployed
some of them in at a school
have not gotten their high
school diploma. So we also
help with that. We connect
young people a career pathway.
>> Post-secondary education or
military. And we do that our
program with a workforce
development program. We are
funded year and we have
year-round program not just a
summer program. We are year
round we are comprehensive
program is funded by the state
of Florida. But the Department
of Labor spilling
specifically.
>> We are not affiliated with
the school. We just a
workforce program. So in
program, that. Elgible for our
program, we work with getting
a high school diploma or
they're a ged attainment. The
workforce pettiness program is
a 5 module program that they
can get done within 2 weeks.
We work with them with life
skill training. A lot of are
youth come in severe anxiety,
depression. Lack of
self-confidence. And when they
come in, they they don't know
how to make eye contact. They
are really petrified. But when
we discuss what our program
does for them. They see a
light at the end of the
tunnel. They have a little
smile on their face when they
leave and they're in carriage
to participate by the time
they leave. They more
confident their anxiety is
decreased. We have seen so
many improvement in their
mental health. What we do is
we do a career exploration to
determine what area that they
want to look and what their
career deck direction, maybe.
>> we do some skills
assessment, basic math and
reading just to see where
their level is and we help
them up their skill level as
well. The short term
vocational training so we can
do certificates and things
like that. The surf, say that
they can add to the resume to
help them meet be more
marketable. We also help them
with resume development. Some
of them are coming in with
nothing on their resume. They
haven't worked to. They have
no experience. However, we
tell them what have you done
in your personal life? Okay.
So they babysitting guess
what? That's a skill that we
create that, Reza, that job
skill and we were cut into
their resume. So they have
that experience. We also do
interview preparation. You
know, some people think it's
ok to go to an interviewing in
jeans and a t-shirt. What we
tell them. No, that's that's
not the way to do it. So we do
those mock interviews and
prepped him for that. We also
help with job search strategy.
So to determine, you know,
where they want to look on,
what is the labor market
information out there would
career? Are you thinking about
that is going to be successful
as opposed to being a dead-end
job, you know, Im not going
anywhere. And one thing that
we honestly do is do a paid
internship. So we'll for our
youth that are eligible and
that are ready for work. We it
offer them a paid internship,
$15 an hour. Up to 32 hours a
week for the amount of weeks
that it it's going to take to
learn that skill. So as
opposed the recent which MAY
need like maybe 100 are 120
hours or an administrative
assistant or something higher
that made need 16200 hours per
week. And this is the exciting
part that we are going to
partner with grew resource
with. Hopefully, but we're
going to give them jobs at
opportunities for. We're going
to piloted and human services
for them to come in and just
see if this is a fit.
>> They do work placement for
25 to 30 hours a week. But the
best part is it's a paid
internship, meaning that they
have skin in the game. There's
change. There's accountability
and there's no liability for
the county because that all
falls under career resource as
absolutely. So we cover the
liability and workers comp for
that period of time.
>> We are the workforce career
coach. So we walked with them
during that internship and
whoever their supervisor as
our personal cell phone. And
we if anything going on that
we need to address, we address
it together so that they can
learn that this is how the
world works works. So we're
very excited. Yeah. And if So
finally, the ultimate goal is
for employment posts, dairy
education and dance training
of some kind military service.
But one key thing is when
they're done our program,
they're not really done. We
follow them for the next 12
months. We are their career
coach. They are allowed to
come back to us to help them
update their resume fill out.
Help them feel they're faster
for college. Now they decided
to go to college. So that's
one of the things that we, you
know, keep in touch with them,
even if And we're just hopeful
and excited about an
opportunity to bring youth and
connect with them.
>> The mentors and strengthen
our community across the
board. So thank you for your
time. If you have any
questions or here to answer
that. MISTER CHAIRMAN.
>> Thank you, MR.
Administrator.
>> Is just want echo some of
the comments. Been the space
Coast we partnered resources
that are similar program. It
was highly successful. We did
just limited to seniors down
lower to the juniors.
>> And if students and the
participants got an
opportunity to work in.
>> Almost every area of local
government. You know, from
doing natural resources,
writing bridge, fleet fire
rescue shadowing working
utilities out of the water
plant, Duke customer service
working on the field. They
didn't. Some of the ones in
public works welding
competition, which is really
good and planning building
permitting planning
development Services building
facility services like as I
could think of. So I think
it's really a great
opportunity. One to provide,
you know, introduce them to
public service, but also
provide a level of support
while they're going through
this.
>> And I do like the pipeline
component and they would
indicated this is a pilot
project with community
services. I don't anticipate
this not being successful and
this is a great opportunity in
the future to expand this and
bring many young individuals,
you know, between so they 16
24 into, you know, public
service.
>> Thank you, MR. Minister
Commissioners, does require
stamp of approval. The
approval second motion by
Commissioner Adams and a
second by vice-chair Any
further discussion. Hearing?
None all in favor. Thank you
so much for your time. You're
Dozens
over the time. Now is
Commissioners? Up next
something extremely important
presented by human resources.
Director. She's oil and this
involves the group Health
Insurance Update for MARCH of
2026. Good morning of
mourners, MR. Fletcher. Oh,
sorry.
>> Suzanne Doyle, director of
human resources. I last met
with you JANUARY 13th and
stated that I come back in
MARCH. Give you an update on
our health plan performance.
We did receive information
through DECEMBER of 2025. On
how our Health plan is
performing we are showing for
the 1st quarter. And just to
remind everyone our plan year
for the health plan begins
OCTOBER. So we have claims
data through DECEMBER for the
1st quarter. And for that 1st
quarter, we're showing that we
are running at a deficit of
2.0 1 million dollars. I do
want to put that into
perspective, though. That is
one quarter worth of
experience. My first 3 months.
I am looking at a 31% loss
ratio, which means for every
dollar of premium that comes
in a dollar. And 31 is going
out to pay claims. So $0.31
short on the dollar to just
kind of simplify it. What i
look back historically at the
plan's performance over time,
we typically look back at a 12
month rolling period. So if I
go back a year and look at how
the plan has performed, I have
good months. I have bad months
and my last ratio is 18%,
meaning for every dollar. I'm
$0.18 short. So when I say put
it in perspective, this $0.31
on the dollar short for a
rolling 12 month period. $0.18
short. The trust is still well
funded. So we are not, you
know, running at risk of not
having a well-funded plan. We
are very well funded in the
agenda item. You can see.
>> That trust as the the
balance at the end of DECEMBER
2025. Was 23.8 million
dollars. However, when we look
into the plan, experience, one
of the items that we had
talked about previously was
our gop one coverage for
weight loss medication. I'm
looking at over $700,000 being
spent in the 1st quarter for
the gop. One weight loss
medications. But again, we
have 2.1 million in a short
fall.
>> So I also need to consider
what's happening on my medical
side of things. And what was
really interesting to note in
this first quarter, I had 27
high-cost claimants on the
plan. That means I have 27
individual people who had
major health events that were
over $50,000 in total claims
in the 1st quarter of the plan
year. So that is 2.8 million
dollars. When I look at last
year's 1st quarter experience
from the prior year. I have 13
high-cost claimants at a cost
of a little over a million
dollars. So you can see that
on the medical side of things
substantially more serious
medical conditions happened in
the 1st quarter. And with
that, I'm going to pause and
take any questions.
>> Well, thank you as well.
And I think everyone appears
been in this business for a
while and we've seen the
trends and one thing that
we've learned is not to
overreact when we see a a
particular trend. And I think
you're consultant to agree.
One thing, we do need to have
a healthy discussion, so to
speak on the weight loss. Fact
is, we've talked about this
for at least 18 months. Fact,
last MARCH, we had a
significant discussion about
it. At some point, the
direction that we are
commission respect to policy
and budget. These in fact,
combined these decisions will
combine both of those items
that we are commission to do.
My suggestion in the past to
the administrator has been to.
Notify affected employees as
well as find the balance of
the necessity of the
particular. Weight loss. And I
would like to administrator
to. Further discuss that with
our commissioners, MR.
Minister. Yes, MR. Chair, as
we've discussed.
>> There's a couple things
we've not yet notified because
this is the first quarter.
Mean, I think we wait for the
2nd quarter to come in. And I
think it was made aware during
the budget process that we
would monitor it. And we're
doing that. And then the other
thing that's at play is
nationally. There's with the
The PRESIDENT's Rx plan as
well as some of the
pharmaceuticals. I think
there's a deal struck that
might offer alternatives to
lower costs, but I don't think
it's going to eliminate the
cause. So I think your point
about having a discussion on
it is appropriate and at the
prior to that, maybe it's the
next meeting as we will. We
will definitely provide our
employees notice. We generally
want to provide them the
notice once a decision is
made, you know, but will
provide notice in advance. So
if they need to participate
in, come in and share their
story, their experience, but
you would definitely want to
provide the appropriate notice
if we're planning to make a
change, whether it be 60 days
out or you know, or whether
it's in in advance of the
OCTOBER. First to the next
year. But I do think it merits
with the next quarter that we
provide notice to the
employees that this discussion
would be had at that meeting
because as you indicated, I
mean, this is really one
quarter. And if you go back
and you look at the if you
flip the page and report,
you'll find that there is a
you. We had something like 701
our claims that were high
costs last year. Hopefully its
levels out, some of them to
the tune of close to $400,000
or at least one or 2 of them.
And right now we're at about
100 1826 $1000. And when you
look at the claims, there is
no because there's a wide
variety of claims, you know,
from through issues with a
pre-term pregnancy, a
premature approved pregnancy,
some cancer, just some some
things that have hit
catastrophic events and that
that's not should be it. You
looked at that that this is a
trend. I think we should wait
and see. My recommendation
would be to get the east
because we're MARCH now will
begin the 2nd quarter results
in shortly in income and come
back in and have that disk
that healthy discussion and
will be for the budget
preparation for the next
fiscal year.
>> appreciate the MR. Men for
one thing that we should keep
in mind, although we have look
at this office and 2
categories, one being the
prescription, obviously the
other being medical.
Previously stated the medical
sometimes can can fluctuate
and Trent different. We all
know that my follow-up
question, Suzanne, would be.
Through the years when we've
talked the weight loss, we
fault or perhaps a hoped that
our medical claims will be
down. It needs back. Anything
that would this be associated
with weight loss? However, we
have not and fact we've one
would argue the office. To my
fellow commissioners, I this
thing is going backwards and
heard. And I think a decision
and were tasked we can kick
the can and we want. But at
some point a listen. Sometimes
bad news is not good news.
particularly when you're when
you notify employees of. Of
certain and this could perhaps
be the I think we need to be
and we need to stand up and
look after the taxpaying
dollars make a decision. If we
desire to wait a quarter,
you're in other words,
treading water. Commissioner
Fletcher and I see you have
something to it. Well, once
again this taken on.
>> Many different avenues as
we were discussing gop one.
And at the time. The cost
factor. Was overwhelming. But
there was no alternative.
>> There are there's a
multitude, a lot of
alternatives that are less
than 25% of the expense. It
sounds like we're looking at
again. None of us on medical
practitioners. And this is a
decision between the doctor
and risk riding entity and the
patient. The employee. The
employee's family member. What
are we actually doing? By
saying we'll wait another
Korda is we just kicking the
can down the road. And how
Florida we want to do it. I
recall one of the more recent
conversations that you said,
look, you know, we're gonna
bring this back. And I did
hear the county administrative
say that we were going to
monitor the situation. Well,
done that. We monitor the
situation. It has been no
reduction and other employees.
Do have medications that are
not covered. Can't be covered.
And life depends upon it. They
are continue. A scrip shuns.
You know, whether maintenance
medication, it's just not
covered. Yet. It will cover
something that as such a high
price. I think we need to
reduce it. Now. And give the
employees notice so that they
can make the appropriate plans
with the doctor. Prescribing
entity and they can still
receive the benefit of this.
We reduction medication in
different avenue in a
different way and flawless of
a burden to our system where
it's actually compromising the
health availability for other
medications because this
expense is so high. Obviously
our pro vita is going to look
at the cost of doing business,
which going to reflect back to
us. County. As far as dollars.
But it's also going to reflect
on what medications are
covered and what medications
on not covered. And if where
the willing buyer. By it all.
I think we have to stop it.
Real estate about the new
opportunities that are there
for the patients. For
commission's. And for the
people that we serve.
Commissioner I was under the
impression of this item was an
update. But it sounds like you
guys want to. Push into some
decision which just to be
completely honest, I'm not
comfortable with making that
decision today because this
was supposed to be an update.
And that's what we're here to
be updated upon. And then if
you want to set a course for a
future decision point, I'm
totally fine with that. But I
would have questions that I
would want to be presented as
part of that decision-making
process. One. It looks like
the numbers are actually down
for the gop wins over last
year. So I want to see that. I
want to see that Graff. I
would like to see what we're
doing and the way of wellness
if we're going to take that
away. Commissioner Lester, you
talk about all these other
options. But there really
isn't any options on our plan
other than this. We don't pay
for nutrition. S we don't pay
for gym memberships and things
of that nature which would
support peoples. We lost a
journey. We don't pay weight
loss, counseling under this.
So if you want to get people
off of medication, have them
create healthy habits and
choices. Those are things that
you need to provide for. So
I'd like to see what those
options are, what we are
doing, what we're not doing,
what we might be able to add,
that would be a lower cost and
a longer-term option for
people to give them their
skill sets. But also, you
know, I don't think that I
would also like to see that
which our our plan covers all
the constitutional is correct.
Correct. So it's I don't think
it's completely accurate to
say that all of our employees
MAY or MAY not be the only
effective ones are the ones
utilizing that resource. There
are several different
constitutional is with large
employee basis. I don't know
if we can see the breakdown on
that way, but I would be
interested to see where the
majority of those costs are
coming from, whether it's
Indian River County, specific
or different. Office. And I
think that they need to be put
on notice that that
conversation is happening
because if you're going to
impact, it's not just our
employees at this point. We're
talking about other people's
employees. And if we're going
to impact them with the
decision, they have a right to
know about that decision and
be part of the conversation
before we just unilaterally
make it so it's in my comments
for today.
>> And agreed MR. CHAIRMAN
just I heard was pointed out
about options. The options are
plans. The medications are now
available that are greatly
reduced in the burden to the
system and the medications
again, not a practitioner and
none of us are, however, new
products have become
available. That alternative. I
didn't mean that there was
options like, you know, plans
and, you know. Programs they
some that are available. And
but the medications themselves
have greatly dropped. And with
the new products on the market
that do exactly the same
thing. And we had talked about
that because I know the.
>> The PRESIDENT Has to make
made a move for certain
prescriptions to be reduced.
>> And that will also help us
out. They're already existing
options. 4 this medication or
a similar medication to be
utilized again, it's c we Jen.
Money.
>> So Commissioner Adams, I'm
hearing that you you would
like a.
>> The more road, the more
analysis of who, what, when,
where, why?
>> I think I don't. I mean, I
think it's a great
conversation to happy have
been talking around it. So we
MAY as well just have it. But
I would like to see a little
bit more detail, 2 base that
conversation.
>> Great and.
>> It's not lost on us. That
in a few days will be the end
of the 2nd quarter always
being mindful of our budget
preparation for health care
expenses. And some of those
options that you who and how
will those be paid for? Would
that be a wash, so to speak?
>> I know that we have our
consultants PRESIDENT And
sounds like. We need to get
the information and make a
solid decision. And I don't
know that we can wait. Another
2 months for an update.
>> I do. MISTER Chair I don't
disagree and I don't we're not
trying to not advocating. We
kick the can down the road.
Said okay fact that we get the
results from the 2nd quarter,
which is as to your point,
that is because we did say
mid-year, come back at it.
We've had updates. We've been
monitoring it. We've talked
with Marathon health about
alternatives. Will our
employees and those that use
the clinic. The JANUARY update
was really kind of focused on
will discuss the gop ones. It
was looking at the prior year
planned performance because it
was closed out. So this is
really the first opportunity
to look at the 1st quarter. So
but to your point. Were in
days, you know, 7 days, we
will be done with the 2nd
quarter. I don't know how
quick those numbers can turned
around and we can't have that
conversation.
>> Well, I can tell you each
year we come back before the
board regarding our upcoming
plan year. And that's in the
MAY JUNE time frame to discuss
the plan features for the
upcoming plan year. We have
been having a lot of
discussions locked in and I
regarding the options
Commissioner Flasher, you're
you're you're right. There's
so many different things
coming on the market and it
every week there's something
new. One of the really
important things to consider
is we do you know, 237
members.
>> of our group plan who are
utilizing the gop. One weight
loss medication and they are.
>> Seeing a lot of substantial
improvement in their own
personal lives. And I think
it's important that we have a
plan in place to transition
them to to help them with
that. If if the plan decision
is and it's looking like it,
it financially MAY need to be
that way that we remove the
gop ones as a cover medication
for weight loss on the plan,
then we do want to have
something in place for them to
move to. And we want to make
sure that that is well thought
out and that that transition
is well communicated. We have
been looking at nutrition
support. We are vetting out
certain programs right now. I
actually have someone our
group plan. That's beta
testing and option that is
available right now. And they
were very, very impressed with
that from it was actually like
that a telemedicine virtual
visit with a nutritionist we'd
be looking at either a low
cost or no cost a nutrition
support on the plan. We do
have some preliminary analysis
that says that the impact of
that is quite negligible to
the plan because the costs
like $65. A visit as opposed
to, you know, $1000 for the
medication we're looking you
know, getting the information
as what type of nutrition
support benefit make sense. Is
it a certain number of visits
at 0 copay? Is there to go
beyond a certain number of
visits? Does there need to be
like a prior authorization
process? So we are looking at
a lot of a lot of those things
that you mentioned when you
look at those dew usc employee
went.
>> They MAY or MAY not need to
put out any kind of.
>> Survey request for feedback
on what would actually be
utilized and be helpful.
>> We have not to date done
that. That is something that
we could send out a global
number survey related to gop
ones.
>> I think it would be helpful
find out what kind of
>> benefit would be a benefit
that people would actually use
minds.
>> Then a fission. Yeah, and I
didn't I didn't mention this
The nutrition support could be
in person as well. It doesn't
need to simply through virtual
visit because some people do
like the in-person as well.
And then we're also
considering whether it makes
sense to have some on-site
support through the health
center for a nutritionist. So
there's a lot of different
options to consider. And then
the various programs that will
be available as members maybe
want to transition our stay on
the gop won but transition to
the the self pay options which
are much more affordable than
what the planned medication
costs are, too. Susan. So when
because I don't disagree with.
>> The need for a
conversation. Potentially
sooner than later. And so I
guess the question is either
between with you are a lot in
when can we get the final
numbers after the 2nd quarter
closes? How quickly can we get
those for the purposes of
evaluating the board make a
decision, then from their
basin, a decision with options
some answers and the questions
have been raised here for the
purposes of notifying the
employee notify them that they
discussion is going to happen.
But after the decision was
made, then we would notify
them what date is. So when do
you think how quickly can you
turn these numbers around?
>> So right now we have right
now we have everything updated
through FEBRUARY. So MARCH
data should be available and
updated in our system by the
end of APRIL. So timing Wise
for a commission meeting. I
know that there's 2 weeks
required prior to the date of
that meeting. So would
probably be looking at the
second meeting of MAY.
>> it mean if I've would given
the fact that there's some
flexibility with the agenda,
if I could get it could be
possibly the first of MAY. If
we first meeting first
meeting, I'm a yes since, you
know. I don't think I think
it's important. The reason I
say that first meeting MAY is
because that's when budgets
are being entered. And I think
we're starting to look at that
and I think we need to
understand the impact and not
wait to the second meeting in
MAY, but I think that also
might provide time for years.
Suzanne, for you, your staff
to continue researching these
things that we've been
discussing from since DECEMBER
So I mean that we have
monitored and discussed
alternatives. So I think we're
prepared to kind of come
forward and and have that
discussion. If if the board is
willing, I just I think you
need to know the thing is what
we said before. And so we just
want to kind of follow through
with that. I think we can to
the first meeting in MAY, if
if the board would. And
indulge that, we don't want
kick the can down the road,
but that would give us helped
form the budget process for
next year. CHAIRMAN. Yes, yes,
sir.
>> great I agree with
Commissioner Adams. I think I
was expecting update was
expected to discuss the
specific thing with gop and
others in other things. Could
this sounds like? Hr told us
the, you know? Yeah, we're
looking at trends. Trends vary
from quarter to quarter month
to month, year to year. We
need to take a that MAY be a
deeper dive into this to look.
And I'm not in. A new way
rethink that. Kicking the can
down the road. I don't think
we've done that yet. And I
don't think we're going to do
that. I think we know better
than to do something like
that. It just seems like
there's a lot of possible
options here as we got further
in the conversation. I've
heard everything from, you
know, the Fed's not going
price different things we can
do. I think we need to look at
it. Some of those options. Is
such as a commissioner. Adam
said this. We need to get a
little more information hard
information make a decision. I
mean, we've got not only h r
finance like this, but we've
got ladies from locked in.
They can about lot. Actually,
I'd like to hear what they
have to say. They've listened
to the conversation we've had
for the last 15 minutes and
and see what they have to say
about this. But I mean, there
MAY be things that we can do
is ease uses copay change or
since some of best of the
Suzanne mentioned. I mean,
there there MAY be a lot of
I'm not. Financially worried
today, but I think it it would
do is do justice to look at
this is the first of MAY and
say, where are we going with
this and and what we need to
do because this is important
information does is life
changing for some people and
and we don't want to make the
wrong decision and do
something drastic take that
away I think we need to wear
options, but I would like to
hear what these ladies have to
say. If they have anything to
say about it.
>> thank you so much. So
Rachel, Freedom locked in.
Nice to see you all again. You
know, listening to the
conversation, I think this is
the tone that we're hearing
from across our bucket ss of
clients who are covering
weight loss, gop ones today.
So those who are still
covering have looked at
various tactics from
increasing costs, share on the
member for those she'll p
ones. But at the end of the
day, those members will still,
you know, be reaching their
out-of-pocket maximums. And so
shifting that cost share to a
higher co pay is really a
nominal impact to the overall
costs that we're seeing of
these medications. And so
really, you know, that the
overall response is that
clients are ceasing covering
and pushing that
responsibility back on the
member through these more
affordable, it directs to
manufacture programs that are
available where the cost now
have come down significantly.
Another trend that we're
seeing is that some him
players are choosing to
subsidize a portion of those
cash pay options through hra
programs, whether a funding a
small dollar amount on to a
health reimbursement account
card and then those members
can use that to pay for those
lower cash pay options. So
that's a trend that we're
seeing so leaving adopted as
well. It's not to prevailing
yet, but that's one of the
newest options that we're
seeing. The costs of these
medications are just
unsustainable. So we're seeing
continued rise in amount of
utilize ERs taking the cost of
the medications through the
plan are significantly more
than those cash pay options.
And so as a result, we're
seeing these medications trend
significant. I'm your every
year. I think our stops are
183% per member per month
increase in the last several
years. And we expect that to
continue. But a lot trust our
pharmacy consultant, chime in
with any other specifics.
>> You know, you're right that
there are a number of
direct-to-consumer programs
out there for members as low
as $199 a month for some of
the tablet options out there
up to $450 for some of the
injectable, you know, Pius
street medications. You're
right with the Trump Rx. It
kind taps into some of the
direct-to-consumer programs
are not necessarily a new
program there. It kind of just
redirects members to those
direct to consumer options and
more and more coming. I know
the pharmacy benefit manager
that you guys are currently
with. They are trying to
develop a program that would
allow employers to tap into
those direct to consumer
prices. But that's something
that they're building building
it pretty quickly. So I would
hope in the next couple of
months we would hear from them
where instead of you paying,
you know, $1000 a month for
the medicine, you could be
tapping into some of those
lower costs that's run through
the plan and it wouldn't be
the member having to go
outside of the plate and it
would keep it all their
current towards their out of
pocket in deductible if they
had won. So there is a lot
changing frequently. So
hopefully in the next month or
2. You know, we've also headed
one of the manufacturers say
that beginning 1, 1, 27. They
are going to allow plans to
tap into the cause. But, you
know, it's a lot of talk right
now. We know, you know,
members just going to Reagan
getting that one. 99 to 4.49.
Is that thing that solid in
the air out there and we do
have a number like Rachel
mention, I know most all of
the clients that I have that
covered these meds, remove
coverage for this year. So
that is a growing trend. You
guys would not be outside of
the norm. If you did that.
>> You're stating that
generics available.
>> There are no generics
available at No, they're not.
Alternative, their or direct
to consumer. Member could go
direct to the manufacturer of
those drugs and get it at a
reduced cost. As they do with.
>> Botox.
>> Possibly I hadn't
necessarily heard that public.
We don't I don't that we don't
cover cannabis or the no. We
do any way we
>> Botox actually from
migraines. Covered it my or
the specific.
>> for a diagnosis, correct.
Just saying that. And there
are many medications that we
the employees, whether big
constitutional or
>> from Commission. It
compelled to go with the
alternative letter the year.
>> Kind of going to war. You
know, there's the mark. You've
been for messy out there. And
that's on pharmacy.
>> We're a lot of times
members can buy generic drugs
or other medications directly
from those who are sourcing it
directly from the manufacturer
and the cost is lower. They
are so some people decide to
go outside of their plate,
especially if they have a high
deductible or something that
nature. So ya similar to that.
Thank you.
>> Okay. Commissioners, we've
essentially come to a
consensus on a meeting in MAY.
I would strongly recommend
that you be prepared to make a
decision upon the date today
seems a little bit like
Groundhog Day to me by hearing
the Let's hurry up and wait on
the trends. So be prepared
for. The meeting in MAY to
make a decision. Thank you as
Thank you. Brings us. To our
next item, which is again with
as Kristen Daniel through
Office of Management Budget
through Children, Services,
funding, allocations for
fiscal. 26 27. Welcome again.
Director
>> Hello again, Kristen his
budget director as
Commissioner Laura mention
fight today's of Children's
Services funding. You'll be a
warning for the upcoming
fiscal year. And 26 27. So
keeping pace with the board's
direction previously to fund
children's services at 1, 8,
of them now staff is
recommending the board adopt
the same allocation for the
upcoming fiscal year. So that
would increase of funding for
next year by $299,346 or 8.6%
for a total of 3 million,
$778,838 for children services
programs in the upcoming
fiscal year.
>> shutters, what's your
pleasure? As we know, we are
all patiently optimistically
watching. The Florida
Legislature with respect to
what could perhaps next fiscal
year. So I would suggest that
will be mindful decisions that
we make for coming fiscal
year.
>> MARCH air, I'd be happy
stash addition. I think
includes a robot a step
forward. Even if it is a
smaller increase. But it is
within parameters that we
can't deal with it depending
on happens with property taxes
and it will allow to reach
more. With children program
support.
>> We have we have motion that
we have a second by
Commissioner Fletcher and
certainly understand that. And
I will yield to Commissioner
Adam since her involvement
with that's it. We have a
motion and a friend just want
to remind the board the funds
that you're allocating this
year.
>> For for next year are funds
that were collected this year.
So we're so we're not like
tapping into next year's tax
dollars.
>> Save the date minister. A
motion. We have a further
discussion. All in favor. The
motion passes unanimously.
Thank you. Director Daniel. Up
next, commissioners item 16 be
with the solid waste
Authority. I see. Our team in
the back. Appears to be.
Director Department had not to
mother.
>> Good morning.
Commissioners. As a managing
director of solid Waste
Disposal District leave. The
first is the approval of the
breakdown certificate. To come
from. Approval of the bring
down certificate. I'm sorry.
Sorry pass away. Yes, okay. So
related to this all. Basically
between the bank and Petro.
This is a sort of a process
between the 2 companies. They
just want to verify that
there's no outstanding items
for from the county's
perspective, Bo's staff and
legal have reviewed. You know,
we have not taken any
exemptions to the agreement.
Everything that was originally
contemplating agreement was
successful. Most of you are
there for the ribbon cutting
ceremony, the plant is up and
running. So this is a sort of
a customer process between the
bank and no petro and they
require the CHAIRMAN To sign
this. Bring down certificate
to ensure that there's no
outstanding issues with the
project. So staff recommends
approval. Of the bring down
certificate. Thank
Commissioners. I've spoken in
detail with
>> Mr Hicks as well as the
county administrator. And I am
comfortable with this item.
The approval. We have a motion
by commissioner for approval.
We have a set Fletcher, any
further discussion hearing?
None all in favor and the
motion Good morning again in
MARCH item. 16 be too.
>> Good morning commissioners
of the next item is the
approval of change orders as
Cs for the landfill. Gas will
project as we're working Petro
to try to capture as much gas
as possible. We had a project
where back in NOVEMBER of
2024. For the installation of
10 additional gas wells. And
there was total approval of
$560,000 which some
contingency funding that could
be approved. Change orders
from the county administrator
requested approval to change
orders from the county
administrator. Basically the
project over the original
approval by about $36,000. And
so the purpose of this agenda
item is to just get board
approval to approve the change
orders that the county
administrator made based on
the original approval as well
as some additional funding of
30 to $6,323 and that brings
the total project cost 196
3.23, happy to answer any
questions. Commissioner flush
It's a much is as far as
petro.
>> They are gassy.
>> And
>> we knew from the on said
that. It would be a
possibility of having to place
a few more straws into the
Mount. Exactly. Commissioner
at the landfill is continuing
to grow every day.
>> as we sort of continue to
build a landfill, we need to
continue to expand our gas
system even just for our
reasons to control orders, to
reduce the likelihood of fires
and so on and so forth. But
having the are into project
also allows us to capture the
gas sort of fresh gas, if you
will. So there will there. It
was always projected that as
landfill continues to grow, we
would add additional gas
wells. We're we're partnered
with them. I not the set of 10
wells were some additional
work that was Petro starting
to also participate and
funding of of gas expansion.
The next expansion that we're
we're in discussion with them
now that would come back to
the board for a future time.
They're looking to actually do
a lot of the work themselves
and pay for the work. So so
it's it's really so far a good
partnership. We definitely
need to continue to capture as
much gas as quickly as we can.
It's good for the environment.
It's certainly good for the
partnership with no petrol.
Their capacity has risen more
recently.
>> Then it was in very
beginning when we we went in,
they had temporary lines
brought the expanded it and
willing bilby bearing some of
this course fact to with
connections jus. Really are
>> We have a motion by
Commissioner Fletcher second.
What Commissioner and your how
your pressures been up there.
The guests pressures been
given. Good. Yeah, we were
definitely. We have a lot more
monitoring going on You know,
the team is actively
monitoring every gas. Well,
making sure everything is
working well.
>> Minimizing water in the
walls trying to, you know,
capture capture gas. We're one
of the one of the challenges
and it's the reality. I think
they're working with Florida
City, gas or gas is trying to
expand their infrastructure in
Indian River County. So for,
for example, in situation
occurred about, I think it was
last week where one of the
primary users is actually the
legion of operators that we
have on site that uses gas.
The pipeline gas and and the
there was some shut down there
for just a weekend. Petro
didn't have the capacity in
the Florida city gas line, if
you will, to to inject what
they're producing. So so it
was a little bit a little bit
of delay, but I think that
kind is is there also motivate
Florida City gas to continue
their infrastructure and
expand their lines throughout
Indian River thing working on
a a project to take some of
those gas all the way to the
barrier island. So it's a big
project on their end. But but,
yeah, we're certainly pulling
everything we can project is
moving forward. As we have a
motion and we have a second.
Further discussion. Hearing,
none of those in favor.
>> Commissioners nearly
concludes meeting for public
comment. Any non agenda
related matters. You have
public comment. Please come
forward. Hearing none and
seeing none. I'm knows 10. 42