San Bernardino council appoints Eric Levitt as permanent city manager, 7-1

The San Bernardino City Council voted 7–1 on June 4 to appoint Eric Levitt as the city’s next permanent city manager.

The appointment, announced from closed session, was reported to the council by the city attorney: “the mayor and council have appointed Eric Levitt to be the next permanent city manager.” The city attorney said the motion was made by Councilmember Canas and seconded by Councilmember Sanchez.

The council’s public materials and the staff report say the employment agreement sets Levitt’s base salary at $333,000 with automatic annual cost‑of‑living increases capped at 3 percent unless the council amends the contract. The agreement also includes a $12,000 annual deferred‑compensation contribution, a $775 monthly vehicle allowance, a $6,000 moving allowance to encourage residency in San Bernardino, and an initial allotment of administrative leave and vacation hours. If the council terminates the manager, the agreement provides severance equal to nine months’ base salary plus payout of accrued leave.

Council discussion before the vote reflected divided views about timing and process. Several council members said the city needed a permanent manager now to provide operational stability; others raised concerns about the selection process and whether more outreach or a longer transition with the interim manager would have been appropriate. Councilmember Ortiz cast the lone no vote.

Levitt’s start date was listed in the agreement as Aug. 4, 2025. City staff said the salary and benefits in the contract are included in the adopted fiscal‑year 2025‑26 budget.

The council also directed staff to publish the contract terms in the city’s agenda packet and to proceed with a transition plan to integrate Levitt into city operations.

Levitt, who attended the June 4 meeting, told the council he was looking forward to working collaboratively with members, staff and the community and to advancing council priorities.