ROCKLAND — Rockland City Council on Monday showed their appreciation to City Attorney Kevin Beal, who will be leaving his position September 30. Council members applauded Beal’s efforts and hard work in helping the council to navigate the many ordinances and committees.

Beal took the office of city attorney September 4, 2007 and has held that position for nine years.

The city is now faced with how to handle legal issues after Beal leaves. Interim City Manager Audra Caler-Bell said in her report to the council that she had reached out, at the request of the city council, to several law firms with municipal government practices to get an idea of what they could offer the city for interim coverage for legal services.

“I also spoke to the town manager of Rockport who recently went through the process of selecting a legal services provider,” she said. “I’m expecting to hear back from three of them in the next week and a half.”

Beal had tendered his resignation in June. Attorney Beal had come under criticism by then city manager James Chaousis, who had called for his ouster, though it was urged that he remain through the 2016-2017 budget year. Chaousis has since resigned.

The city council said in a resolve Monday evening that Beal provided leadership and guidance to the city through many complicated and difficult situations, always with the goal of moving the city forward in a positive direction.

Mayor Louise MAcLellen-Ruf said that Beal would be moving to the Portland area to be closer to his family.