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San Bernardino council appoints Eric Levitt as city manager in 7–1 vote
Summary
After a closed-session interview process, the mayor and city council voted 7–1 to appoint Eric Levitt as San Bernardino city manager. Council approved a contract that sets a $333,000 base salary, a $12,000 deferred compensation contribution and a start date of Aug. 4, 2025.
The San Bernardino mayor and city council appointed Eric Levitt as the city’s next permanent city manager on a 7–1 vote on June 4.
The action, announced after the meeting moved out of closed session, follows an interview and negotiation process the council said was intended to provide a permanent chief executive after a long stretch of interim leadership. The city attorney reported the motion to appoint Levitt was made by Councilwoman Kim Canas and seconded by Councilman Theodore Sanchez; Councilmember Ortiz cast the lone no vote.
The council-approved employment agreement sets a $333,000 base salary, automatic annual cost‑of‑living adjustments up to 3% unless the council approves otherwise, a $12,000 annual deferred compensation contribution, a $775‑per‑month vehicle allowance, a $6,000 moving allowance, and initial paid leave balances. Levitt will be a PEPRA CalPERS member; the contract specifies a severance benefit equal to nine months’ base salary if the council terminates the manager without cause. The contract states Levitt’s employment will begin Aug. 4, 2025.
Council members who supported the appointment said the city needs a stable, permanent manager to advance ongoing priorities including budget implementation and capital projects. Council members who opposed or questioned the appointment raised concerns about the process and urged greater transparency going forward.
“Thank you very much, mayor, members of the city council,” Levitt told the council after the vote. “I appreciate very much that I’m going to be a part of your team. I want to work collaboratively with the community and with each of you.”
The appointment will be memorialized by the city attorney and the signed employment agreement; staff said the compensation costs were included in the adopted 2025–26 budget.
