Biddeford City Manager on administrative leave

Biddeford City Manager James Bennett has left his position a little earlier than anticipated.

In October, Bennett announced he was retiring from the position, effective April 18.

Mayor Marty Grohman announced in an email statement that as of Feb. 20, Bennett was on paid administrative leave.

Grohman said in the statement that the City Council at its Tuesday, March 4 meeting passed an order appointing Chief Operating Officer Brian Phinney as acting city manager.

Phinney has more than 20 years of leadership experience in Biddeford and is well prepared to oversee city operations, said Grohman.

“The City and its elected officials are unable to comment further on City Manager Bennett’s leave as it is a personnel matter. However, I want to reassure our residents that the city remains in good hands, and we remain committed to delivering high-quality services and advancing key projects and priorities,” said Grohman in the written statement.

Bennett has more than 40 years experience in municipal management and government. He took the position of city manager in Biddeford in 2015.

For more information, check out this Saco Bay News story:

Biddeford City Manager announces retirement

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.