Aspen city manager resignation approved

Aspen City Manager Sara Ott’s resignation and separation package was unanimously approved by the city council on Tuesday. 

She officially steps down from her position on Friday, just days before the city’s March 4 election. Deputy City Manager Diane Foster will serve as acting city manager until further notice.

“It has been an honor to serve as City Manager and work alongside such a talented and committed team,” Ott stated in a news release. “I am appreciative of the opportunity to accomplish and advance many initiatives that continue to shape Aspen’s future.”

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According to a separation agreement, Ott’s final annualized salary is $283,893, a 6% increase from her previous salary of $267,824, which was approved in December 2023 and was a significantly higher rate for annual raises than other city employees, whose average annual raises have been less, according to salary data for full-time city employees. 

Ott, through her five years, saw two pay raises in 2022 and 2023.

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She began her tenure as Aspen city manager in 2019 with an annual salary of $203,000. Her time in office has been under Mayor Torre, who is term-limited and will be succeeded by a new mayor on March 4.

The separation agreement states that Ott is resigning in good standing. The separation agreement and Ott’s resignation were moderated by the city attorney and her attorney.

The separation agreement was included in Ott’s original 2019 contract and includes a 10-month lump sum payment of salary, retroactive pay from her latest raise, and 10 months of fully paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance for Ott and her family. 

She will also receive payouts for accrued paid time off and sick leave at her new salary rate, and the agreement provides mutual releases of liability between Ott and the city.

Ott originally joined the city in 2017 as assistant city manager, stepping into the top job in 2019. The press release credits her with advancing key initiatives for Aspen’s infrastructure, affordable housing, and sustainability efforts, while also guiding the city through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The city of Aspen remains in steady hands. While we navigate this leadership transition, our dedicated team will ensure that city services continue uninterrupted,” Mayor Torre said in the release. “On behalf of the city council and the entire Aspen community, we thank Sara for her years of service and wish her the best in her next chapter.”

The city plans a recruitment and selection process in the coming weeks, focusing on what they call “stability” and “community engagement” as Aspen prepares for its next chapter.

During Tuesday’s city council regular meeting, all council members expressed appreciation for Ott. 

City Council member Ward Hauenstein said that he is grateful for Ott’s help during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I want to thank Sara for many years of service to the community and city staff. She oversaw getting through COVID-19 and has done a lot for structure and protocols with the city,” he said. “I am appreciative of her time with the city and wish her all the best as she goes forward with her life.”

City Council member Bill Guth echoed Hauenstein’s sentiments. 

“This was not a process and decision for anyone that was taken lightly,” he said. “I look forward to the future and what we can accomplish, including what new leadership can bring to the city of Aspen.”

City Council members Sam Rose and John Doyle both thanked Ott for her service to community members and the city of Aspen. 

Mayor Torre and council members did not respond to requests for additional comment outside the city council meeting regarding the circumstances of Ott’s resignation. Ott also did not respond to requests for comment on her reasons for stepping down, nor was Ott present at Tuesday’s city council meeting.