Let's Talk Vero: September 10, 2025

YESTERDAY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OUTCOME

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RSVP 

for Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre

Wednesday, September 17th

Hello all,

First, reminder to RSVP for Wednesday's Let's Talk Vero at Riverside Theatre where City Manager Monte Falls and Mayor John Cotugno will address (among other things):

• JetBlue’s arrival, which has sparked a wave of even more airlines who want to provide service to our airport.

• Growing chatter about Vero resembling Saint Lucie and what to do about it.

• Plus major updates  on the Three Corners project, starting with the newly announced joint venture being led by Randy Lloyd (Clearpath) and David Brainerd (Madison Marquette).

  
  

RECAP OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETING

Chambers were packed yesterday as County Commissioners Susan Adams, Joe Earman, Laura Moss, alongside Vice Chairman Deryl Loar, Chairman Joe Flescher and County Administrator John Titkanich went by point through major amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, with residents weighing in on every topic along the way.

Commissioners went line by line through updates to the county’s Comprehensive Plan, also known as the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). This document guides how Indian River County manages growth, land use, environmental protections, and infrastructure.

Key points included:

• keeping building height limits in place

• preserving agricultural land

• encouraging traditional neighborhood design

• updating policies on sewer, water, stormwater, and coastal management

Some residents and commissioners raised concerns about shifting protections out of the plan and into the Land Development Regulations, worrying that it could weaken safeguards.

After lengthy debate and extensive public comment, the board voted to transmit the updated plan to the state for review.

Once the state returns its feedback, there will be another public hearing before final adoption—another chance for the public to weigh in.

Utilities

The Board also approved adjustments to the water and sewer rate schedule effective October 1. This marks the second phase of an increase that began in January 2025, lifting the average monthly bill from $60.44 to about $67.70. Even with the hike, Indian River County still has the lowest utility rates on the Treasure Coast.

Pay Raises

The meeting also cleared up confusion over pay raises for the county attorney and county administrator. Their contracts had not clearly spelled out the annual progressive increases tied to satisfactory performance and longevity that other county employees receive. An audit prompted the board to review and clarify the policy, with concern about timing and transparency given the ongoing budget process. In the end, commissioners approved contract addendums affirming the raises, but with new guardrails: no more self-initiated raises, and all future increases must be approved openly by the board. The attorney’s raise was approved retroactively to her anniversary date, while the administrator’s kicked in immediately but not retroactively.