Port Richey, Fla. — The Port Richey City Council on Nov. 25 authorized personnel steps to transition to a new city manager.

Council voted to extend Interim City Manager Andrew (Andy) Butterfield’s contract through Jan. 4, 2026 to cover the period before the new manager begins. Staff later reported that, because of Florida Retirement System (FRS) rules for senior managers, earlier assumptions about lowering the city’s FRS rate for a temporary extension were incorrect; Mr. Butterfield agreed to opt out of FRS for the last month of his contract to mitigate the city’s additional contribution exposure.

Council also reviewed and approved an employment agreement with Don King to begin Jan. 5, 2026. Key terms reported by staff:

- Base salary: $150,000 per year.
- Housing allowance: $1,650 per month (conditioned on living within city limits or a council‑approved alternative; repayment clause if not followed).
- Auto allowance: $600 per month (covers local mileage inside a 35‑mile geofence; longer trips eligible for mileage reimbursement).
- Relocation: up to $5,000 (by receipt).
- Severance: tiered system tied to length of service (zero during an initial 6‑month probationary period; scaled percentages up to a 20‑week maximum if terminated without cause after two years).

Staff explained the structure is intended to achieve an “all‑in” city cost that is lower than prior city-manager outlays because Mr. King has opted out of FRS and declined city health insurance; the packaged allowances are intended to substitute for those benefits while keeping the city’s outlay roughly in line with prior budgets. Council members discussed the compensation relative to comparable municipalities, severance protections and contract language; council then voted to accept the agreement and to bring final, corrected contract language back for formal execution.

Council also directed staff to prepare a 1099 consultant arrangement for Mr. Butterfield to assist with transition tasks through February; the consultant arrangement will be returned as an agenda item on Dec. 9 for final terms.