Biddeford City Manager James “Jim” Bennett is officially on Paid Administrative Leave as of Feb. 20. At its March 4 meeting, the Biddeford City Council appointed Chief Operating Officer Brian Phinney as acting city manager.

In a statement on Thursday, March 6, Mayor Marty Grohman said Phinney is “well prepared” to oversee city operations. Grohman also said that because the issue is a personnel matter, the city and its elected officials are unable to speak further on Bennett’s leave.

“I want to reassure our residents that the city remains in good hands,” Grohman wrote. “We remain committed to delivering high-quality services and advancing key projects and priorities.”

The Courier first heard reports of Bennett’s leave in late February, but city officials refused to comment to confirm the information.

In an email to the Courier, Phinney said he was advised by the city attorney not to speak about the matter at that time.

“Because this involves a personnel matter, at this time, the city has no comment,” Phinney said.

Mayor Grohman and City Council President Liam LaFountain also told the Courier they could not comment on the matter at the time.

Bennett announced his phased retirement in October. He was slated to officially leave office on April 18. At a City Council meeting in October, Bennett said he believes he has had a part in making Biddeford a better community.

“I am proud that I’ve left every community I’ve served in a better position than when I started,” Bennett said. “Biddeford is no different.”

Prior to his announcement Bennett had been coming under fire, particularly for his handling of a proposed pier at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus.

In December, Mayor Grohman said he was “grateful” for Bennett’s leadership and the important role that he played in Biddeford’s success over the last 10 years.

“I would like to thank him for his dedicated service to our community,” Grohman said.

At the time, Grohman said the city was hoping to have several well-qualified candidates for the city manager position by this month. The mayor did not comment on this in his statement.