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Cocoa moves dispatch to Brevard County unified center, cites roughly $1.3M annual savings
Summary
Council approved a multi‑year agreement to transfer Cocoa’s police and fire dispatch to the Brevard County Unified Communications Center; the county will assume tech and operational control and the city expects substantial annual savings, while offering existing dispatch staff an opportunity to transfer with comparable benefits.
The Cocoa City Council voted June 9 to transfer the city's law‑enforcement and fire dispatch functions to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Unified Communications Center beginning July 1, 2026.
Staff described a three‑year contract through Sept. 30, 2029 and an initial one‑time transition charge of $70,000 to move dispatch equipment. Annual dispatch fees are estimated at about $180,000 in the first years and $189,000 in year three. Staff compared those costs to current local personnel and operating expenses and presented an estimated annual savings of roughly $1.3 million.
The county will assume ownership and maintenance of dispatch consoles and other technology and provide 911 and nonemergency call intake, FCIC/NCIC access and teletype functions. The city’s police and fire leadership will retain operational coordination through established review meetings and escalation procedures. Human‑resources details described staff transfer options, certification pay, and an approach to benefits and transition logistics, with union and HR steps to follow.
"This agreement allows the city to transition dispatch operations to Brevard County Sheriff's Office unified communications center providing regional coordination, technology support and operational efficiencies while maintaining police, fire and EMS response services for Cocoa residents," staff said.
Council members and staff said they will work with the sheriff’s office and the union to manage employee transfer, background checks and benefit timing. The council approved the agreement unanimously.
Next steps: staff will implement the technology transfer, complete negotiated HR arrangements for affected employees, and work with the sheriff’s office to manage the go‑live schedule.
