Maricopa City Council will consider moving up by three months the date when Assistant City Manager Ben Bitter becomes city manager.

The council has on its Feb. 20 agenda an amendment to make Bitter’s contract starting date April 1. The council originally contracted with Bitter to start July 1.

“City Manager Horst and incoming City Manager Bitter mutually agreed they are ready for the changeover and are looking forward to assuming their new roles,” said city spokesperson Monica Williams, when asked why the transition process is being expedited.

Bitter, who will become the city’s highest paid employee at $242,000 a year, succeeds Ricky Horst, Maricopa city manager since June 2018.

Bitter’s work contract with the council runs through March 2027.

When Horst steps down from the city’s top executive position, his annual salary will decrease to $174,500. Horst will take on a managerial role in economic development for the city and his title changes to chief operations officer.

The council meets on the matter at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at City Hall, 39700 W. Civic Center Plaza.

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