By Amy B Wang and Eugene Scott | The Arizona Republic
Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos on Thursday abruptly announced he would step down to become city manager of Santa Ana, Calif., a move that surprised most city officials and council members — especially after Cavazos received a controversial $78,000 pay raise last year.
Cavazos’ decision is pending Santa Ana City Council approval on Monday. His base salary in Santa Ana would be $315,000, with total benefits that could cost the city half a million dollars a year, according to a preliminary agenda posted on the city’s website.
Cavazos did not immediately rturn calls Thursday evening, and it is unclear when his last day with Phoenix would be. His contract stipulates that he must provide the city council with a minimum of 60 days’ notice should he voluntarily resign, meaning he likely will remain in his post through early October.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the city of Phoenix for more than 26 years, especially the last four years as city manager,” Cavazos said in a statement. “I will be working closely with the mayor and city council over the coming months during my transition and completing some important assignments that are still at hand.”
Rose Law Group Founder, President Jordan Rose issued this statement:
“Isn’t it interesting the metro area has had so many of these manager positions come up in just the past six months: Scottsdale, Glendale, Maricopa, Pinal County, Cave Creek and now Phoenix. Musical chairs for sure!”
