Brevard commissioners approve $1.33 billion budget, including sheriff's 'critical needs'

Brevard County commissioners on Tuesday night approved a $1.33 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

The county's budget plan and accompanying tax rate cuts will mean lower property tax bills for most homeowners with a homestead exemption, according to County Manager Frank Abbate.

But much of the discussion at Tuesday night's final budget hearing focused on the one tax rate that is increasing — the rate for the Law Enforcement Municipal Service Taxing Unit, or MSTU, that goes toward the Brevard County Sheriff's Office budget.