Firefighter overtime costs climbing
Summary
The city keeps adding money to cover firefighter overtime — now around $900,000 this year, up from $687,000 last year. Minimum staffing rules and the union contract are driving it, and fixes have to wait for contract negotiations.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 22, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $65,000 more approved this meeting, on top of two earlier adjustments, bringing overtime to roughly $900,000.
Firefighters get paid for required staffing coverage; residents keep full emergency response levels.
Taxpayers absorb a growing recurring cost the city's own budget staff calls unsustainable.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council - Sep 22, 2026
The city keeps adding money to cover firefighter overtime — now around $900,000 this year, up from $687,000 last year. Minimum staffing rules and the union contract are driving it, and fixes have to wait for contract negotiations.
General - May 19, 2026
Fire overtime is headed toward $1 million a year, driven by union contract staffing rules, injuries, and 12% annual call volume growth. Council and staff discussed contract negotiation strategies and a possible fourth fire station for west Cocoa.
General - Apr 29, 2026
Fire overtime is projected at $731,000 against a $300,000 budget — over $1 million all-in with pension, FICA, and workers' comp. The chief blames non-work-related injuries and a statewide firefighter shortage, and the city must find recurring revenue to cover it.
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