INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Board of County Commissioners Tuesday promoted long-time budget director Jason Brown to the post of County Administrator when Joe Baird retires in six months.
“I have had the great opportunity to work for the County Budget Office over the last seventeen years,” Brown told VeroNews.com after the vote. “I am grateful for the support of the County Commissioners, and I’m tremendously thankful for the opportunity to make a contribution to this community. Indian River County is a special place, and I am committed to providing our residents with the highest level of service in a cost effective manner.”
Commissioner Peter O’Bryan made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Joe Flescher and backed by all five commissioners. The vote authorized Chairman Bob Solari and the County Attorney’s office to negotiate and draft an employment contract with Brown.
Commissioners had discussed casting a wider net for candidates, but they decided to see if they could find a qualified applicant from within the county’s ranks first.
Brown was considered a top contender from the beginning in this internal search, as it’s well-known that he is a protégé of Baird’s and Baird’s preferred successor to lead the county and keep budget reins pulled tight.
A 1996 University of Florida graduate, Brown has served in his current position since July 2000 when he replaced Baird as head of the budget office.
Brown was first hired as a staff accountant with the Indian River Clerk of Court in 1997, but then became a budget analyst for the Board of County Commissioners in 1998.
Soon after the vote, congratulations began appearing on social media, with former Fellsmere Mayor and County Commission candidate Susan Adams posting a note to Brown on her campaign facebook page, “It’s been a pleasure working with you as the County Finance Director. I wish you luck in your new position!”
Brown and Baird will next need to find a replacement, internally or externally, to lead the budget office.
