San Diego City Council Confirms New Operations Chief
The city appoints Bethany Bezak to the chief operating officer role following a series of billing errors.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in People
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The San Diego City Council has confirmed Bethany Bezak as the new chief operating officer. This appointment marks a shift as Mayor Todd Gloria steps back from directly overseeing city operations.
Why it matters
The City Council requested professional management oversight after approximately 87,000 households were overcharged for trash services. The return of the position addresses concerns regarding the mayor's dual role in managing city operations.
The city previously paid a $146,000 settlement to former Chief Operating Officer Eric Dargan after the position was eliminated in 2025. Some residents saw overcharges on their property tax bills exceeding $1,000.
The players
Bethany Bezak
She is a longtime city civil servant who formerly directed both the Transportation and Stormwater Departments.
Todd Gloria
He is the Mayor of San Diego who previously assumed direct oversight of city operations to address budget deficits.
Eric Dargan
He is the former Chief Operating Officer who received a $146,000 settlement from the city.
Campillo
He is a San Diego City Councilmember who critiqued the mayor for maintaining dual roles in city management.
The details
Bezak, a longtime civil servant, previously led the city's Transportation Department and the Stormwater Department. The mayor has now consolidated the Office of the COO with the Department of Government Affairs and the Office of Boards and Commissions.
Timeline
Bethany Bezak served as the head of the Transportation Department from 2023 to 2025.
Mayor Gloria consolidated several executive offices in February 2025.
Approximately 87,000 households were overcharged for trash services in September 2026.
Mayor Gloria announced the appointment of Bethany Bezak on October 15, 2026.
Market Landscape
The restoration of the chief operating officer position reflects a structural pivot in how the city manages its administrative divisions. This move contrasts with the recent trend of executive consolidation intended to cut costs and streamline local governance.
Residents impacted by the recent trash service billing errors should monitor their accounts for potential refund credits. The city expects the transition in leadership to provide more consistent oversight of municipal utility billing systems.
The takeaway
The appointment of a dedicated operations chief underscores the importance of administrative separation in managing public utility services. Residents should keep records of any billing discrepancies as the city works to resolve the recent overcharging issues.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit San Diego People.
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