Pacific Grove officials have announced the departure of Ben Harvey, who has served as city manager since 2016.
No reason was given for Harvey’s departure, but he has been the subject of criticism for some time. A 2021 resident survey elicited numerous calls for Harvey to step down.
Harvey and the city signed an agreement Thursday that includes a clause prohibiting city officials from making any disparaging remarks about him. He’s also walking away with a hefty severance. The agreement entitles him to three installments equivalent to two years of pay. That’s $437,999.90.
Harvey served as Pacific Grove’s interim city manager for several months before assuming the permanent role in 2016. He previously managed the City of Avalon.
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