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Cocoa Beach commission approves police wage reopener, FDLE grant, merges sustainability duties into planning board (1st reading) and adopts fees and tax-exempt-
Summary
At a regular meeting the commission voted 5-0 to ratify a police wage reopener with the FOP, accept an FDLE immigration grant program participation, advance Ordinance 17-07 on first reading to merge the sustainability advisory functions into the planning board, adopt new golf-course fees effective Jan. 1, 2026, and adopt a resolution declining a local property-tax exemption under section 196.19783.
The Cocoa Beach City Commission voted unanimously on a slate of administrative and policy items, approving labor and grant actions and advancing a governance ordinance on first reading.
The commission ratified a wage-reopener agreement covering 10/01/2025–09/30/2026 with the Florida State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. Cindy DePena, the city's human resources director, presented the item; the commission voted 5-0 to ratify the agreement.
The commission also approved participation in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) local law enforcement immigration grant program, presented by Wes Mullins, chief of police and assistant city manager; the motion passed 5-0.
On policy, the commission adopted Ordinance 17-07 on first reading, a measure to merge the sustainability advisory committee into the planning board. Staff (Dave Dickey, development services) and commissioners discussed transition language for existing members; commissioners directed staff to clarify the transition language before the second reading, and staff said they would make that change prior to second reading.
Resolution 2025-35 was adopted to amend Cocoa Beach Golf Course fees effective Jan. 1, 2026; leisure services director Andy Segarra presented the fee schedule. The commission also adopted Resolution 2025-36, electing not to grant a local property-tax exemption under section 196.19783, Florida Statutes. During discussion public commenter Janice Scott urged the commission to consider property-tax burden and stated, "46% of us are paying the full county load for taxes," raising concerns about ad valorem assessments and nonprofit property uses.
All voted motions reported a 5-0 outcome unless otherwise noted. Several routine appointments to regional organizations and boards were set for 2026 and recorded before the meeting was adjourned.
Votes at a glance: - Ratify FOP wage reopener (10/01/2025–09/30/2026): Approved 5-0. Staff rep: Cindy DePena. Motion/second: not specified in transcript. - Approve FDLE local law enforcement immigration grant program: Approved 5-0. Staff rep: Wes Mullins. Motion/second: not specified in transcript. - Ordinance 17-07 (merge sustainability advisory committee into planning board) — First reading adopted 5-0; staff to revise transition language before second reading. Staff rep: Dave Dickey. - Resolution 2025-35 (golf course fee amendments effective 01/01/2026): Adopted 5-0. Staff rep: Andy Segarra. - Resolution 2025-36 (electing not to exempt property under section 196.19783): Adopted 5-0. Staff rep: Becky (city attorney). Public comment captured from Janice Scott.
Next steps: Ordinance 17-07 will return for a second reading with clarified transition language for existing members; staff will prepare any revised language and scheduling for the second reading. Other actions were administrative and implemented per staff directions.
