Indian River County Administrator Under Pressure as Commissioners Voice Concerns

What started as a routine update during a recent commission meeting quickly turned into a tense session as several county commissioners openly questioned Titkanich’s performance, leadership style, and overall progress since he stepped into the role nearly two years ago.

It was clear: frustrations have been simmering for a while — and now, they’re boiling over.

Commissioners Say They’re Not Seeing Results

Commissioner Joe Flescher didn’t hold back. “He’s fallen short of my expectations,” Flescher said. “I’m not confident we’re on the right track.” He added that despite new hires and various changes, he still gets the same complaints from residents that he heard before Titkanich was hired.

Commissioner Deryl Loar echoed those concerns, saying he’s been waiting to see results — and is still waiting.

Both pointed to ongoing staff turnover, frequent use of outside consultants, and a lack of visible improvement across county departments. To them, it feels like too much talk and not enough action.

Administrator Says Change Takes Time

Titkanich, for his part, didn’t shy away from the criticism. He acknowledged that things haven’t moved as quickly as some had hoped — but stressed that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight.

“There were probably things I didn’t foresee coming in,” he admitted. “But we’ve made progress, and I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

He also defended his approach, saying he’s been focused on transparency, long-term planning, and building a more effective government — even if the results aren’t immediately visible.

Not Everyone on the Commission Agrees

While some commissioners have clearly lost patience, others still believe in Titkanich’s vision — or at least think he deserves more time.

Commissioner Laura Moss was quick to push back against the criticism, calling it “unnecessary” and saying she’s satisfied with the administrator’s work so far.

Commissioner Joe Earman took a more middle-of-the-road view. He acknowledged there’s room for improvement but credited Titkanich for his hard work and professionalism.

Then there’s Commissioner Susan Adams, who seemed to act as the voice of balance. “Let’s just be open and honest — the good, the bad, and the ugly,” she said. “That’s how we move forward.”

Is a Leadership Shake-Up Coming?

So far, no one on the board has formally called for Titkanich’s removal. But the public airing of grievances was hard to miss — and it’s a clear signal that at least some commissioners are losing confidence.

For now, it appears the administrator’s job is safe, but the pressure is on. Commissioners made it clear they want to see more progress — and soon.

The big question: Can Titkanich deliver the results the board is looking for before their patience runs out?

What It Means for Indian River Residents

This kind of leadership tension doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Residents are paying attention — and many are wondering what it means for the services they rely on, from public safety and infrastructure to planning and permitting.

If the county’s top executive can’t align with the board, progress on key community projects could slow down. And with the 2025-2026 budget season approaching, now is not the time for dysfunction.

Final Thoughts

Leadership is never easy, especially in public service. But as Indian River County moves forward, one thing is clear: the administrator and commissioners need to get on the same page.

Whether that means a reset in communication, a shift in priorities, or something more dramatic remains to be seen.

For now, the spotlight stays on John Titkanich — and the clock is ticking.