“Dear Mayor MacLellan-Ruf and Rockland City Council,

“I recently underwent successful surgery for a brain tumor, which has caused me to really consider the toll this job has had on me. This life changing experience has caused me to focus on the aspects of my life which are most important to me, and therefore, I offer my resignation as the City Manager of the City of Rockland, pursuant to my employment contract.

“I leave knowing that the city is better for the work we accomplished. We had some solid success bringing professional integrity, fiscal responsibility, and strategic thinking to Rockland: We no longer tolerate inappropriate conduct by city employees, we brought in talented new blood at harbormaster, we hired a much needed fire chief, and crafted an honest budget with an eye towards long-term investment.

“Rockland must invest in itself to spur economic growth. I hope the city will commit to continuing this positive trajectory, rather than revert back to the status quo which has resulted in seven city managers in seven years.

“It has been an honor and privilege to perform these duties. I will especially miss the dedicated and hardworking team that came together while I was here. “

Chaousis was hired in 2015, starting work in March of that year. He had previously been town manager in Boothbay.