Cocoa Beach sets city manager salary range at $160,000–$235,000 after debate

The Cocoa Beach City Commission voted 3-2 on June 5 to set the advertised salary range for the city manager recruitment at $160,000 to $235,000.

Commissioners debated whether a higher top of range was needed to attract experienced candidates from other beach cities and whether a residency preference should be stated in the job materials. Commissioner Williams said raising the top “will attract more high quality candidates” and read an email he said he received from the recruiter noting that a higher range could yield a manager who “will make that back for the city in a year by being more efficient and effective.”

Supporters of the higher range argued Cocoa Beach competes with other beachfront municipalities for experienced managers and that the range gives flexibility to recruit “rock-star” candidates while still allowing negotiation for mid-level hires. Opponents urged caution about expanding pay and said advertised ranges should align with the consultant’s recommendations and internal budgets.

Commissioners also discussed whether residency in Cocoa Beach should be required or only preferred. Commissioner Tomolte said if the commission were to pay “over $200,000” they would prefer the manager live in Cocoa Beach so the manager could be on call quickly; others noted residency is a life decision and recommended stating a preference rather than a requirement.

City attorney Becky Vos and city staff said the recruitment process will allow negotiation within the posted range and that any final package would be set during contract negotiations. The commission asked staff to communicate a residency preference to the recruiter rather than a hard requirement.

The motion to set the salary range passed 3 to 2. The commission directed the recruitment firm to advertise the $160,000–$235,000 range and to proceed with the search under that range; final salary offers will be negotiated after candidate selection.