WATCH: Brevard Commission Approves $2.5 Billion Budget, Closes Brevard County Fire Rescue Pay Gap

commissioners approved $13 million in cuts to public works and parks projects

WATCH: The Brevard County Commission voted Tuesday night to approve a $2.5 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, an $190 million increase over the current spending plan. The new budget takes effect on October 1 and focuses heavily on boosting pay for public safety workers while trimming back on infrastructure projects.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA • VIERA, FLORIDA — The Brevard County Commission voted Tuesday night to approve a $2.5 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, an $190 million increase over the current spending plan.

The new budget takes effect on October 1 and focuses heavily on boosting pay for public safety workers while trimming back on infrastructure projects.

The plan passed with a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Katie Delaney casting the lone “no.” Delaney raised concerns about a proposed 4% raise for county employees, and said that she supported smaller pay increases for higher-earning staff.

Under the adopted tax rate of about $4.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value, the owner of a $350,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption will pay roughly $1,350 in county property taxes. That’s about $20 more than the same homeowner paid under last year’s rate of $4.40.

Interim Brevard County Manager Jim Liesenfelt stated that the budget prioritizes closing long-standing pay gaps for Brevard County Fire Rescue employees compared to neighboring agencies.

Increased funding for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office also addresses rising operational costs, legislative mandates, and higher expenses associated with jail operations, including inmate healthcare and food services.

To help balance the budget, commissioners approved about $13 million in cuts to public works and parks projects.

Those reductions delay several initiatives, including the addition of soccer fields, pickleball courts, playground upgrades, and new park restrooms. Road widening, bridge improvements, sidewalks, and resurfacing projects will also be scaled back in the coming year.

Budget Breakdown

■ Operating Budget: $1.1 billion
■ Reserves, Transfers and Debt Service: $920.7 million
■ Capital Improvements: $482 million
■ Sheriff’s Office: $206 million
■ Fire Rescue: $171 million
■ Library Services: $35 million
■ Mosquito Control: $15 million

SEE THE BUDGET HERE

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