Calexico Appoints Benjamin A. Martinez as Permanent City Manager

CALEXICO — The Calexico City Council has selected Benjamin A. Martinez as its new permanent City Manager, concluding a stretch of interim leadership in the city’s top administrative post. The decision was made in a 4-1 vote during a regular council meeting held Wednesday evening, with Council Member Lorenzo Calderon casting the lone dissenting vote.

Martinez, who currently resides in San Diego, stated during the meeting that he plans to relocate to the area, citing the logistical challenges of managing a city from more than 100 miles away.

“I am not a stranger to Calexico. I am from San Diego right now, but I plan on moving here,” Martinez told the council. “It is an honor to be here for any job. I have been working for many city jobs, and I have been very successful.”

Martinez brings over a decade of public sector experience, having worked in the cities of Baldwin Park and El Monte, with approximately 12 years in Community and Economic Development across Southern California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning and a Professional Certificate in Accounting.

His three-year employment agreement includes a possible two-year extension. The compensation package consists of an annual salary of $220,000, along with a range of benefits: a cellphone allowance, laptop, high-speed internet, vehicle allowance, traditional employment benefits, a one-time $5,000 relocation reimbursement, severance pay upon termination, and coverage of fees for professional management associations.

Martinez’s appointment follows a recent period of transition in Calexico’s city leadership. Police Chief Armando Orozco had been serving as interim City Manager after the removal of Rick Daniels, who himself succeeded former City Manager Esperanza Colio-Warren.

However, Martinez’s recent tenure in public service has not been without controversy. According to San Diego-area media reports, he was dismissed in April from his role as City Manager of National City. Reports cited a range of challenges during his time there, including high personnel turnover, complications with a cannabis permitting process, budget deficits, and ongoing legal issues. He received a severance package that included six months’ salary, accrued vacation, and sick leave.

Despite the concerns raised by his past employment, the Calexico City Council majority opted to move forward with Martinez, marking a new chapter for the city’s administration.