ROCKLAND — The city mayor circulated the following statement June 27, at 10 p.m.

“The Rockland City Council and City Attorney wish to announce the resignation of City Attorney Kevin Beal, effective September 30, 2016.  Mr. Beal states that he wishes to be closer to family in southern and western Maine, and to explore other employment opportunities there.  

“Mr. Beal has agreed to continue to serve Rockland as City Attorney through September 30, 2016, in light of and to assist with the transition resulting from the City Manager's recent resignation.  Council views this action as a further instance of Mr. Beal's long and committed public service in Rockland, for which the Council is thankful.   

“Mr. Beal has served as City Attorney since September 2007.  During that time he has assisted the City's municipal officials, staff, and volunteers in the widely varied legal challenges faced by a full-service community like Rockland.  In that capacity, Mr. Beal has successfully recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to the City; ably counseled and advised the City Council and senior managers in municipal governance and the rights and responsibilities of the City; and guided the City with myriad environmental compliance, tax, code enforcement, land transactions, and land use initiatives.  To these challenges, Mr. Beal capably applied his broad knowledge and experience in the law, enhanced by creativity and commitment to the best interests of the City.    

“The City Council reaffirms, as it has already done publicly, their respect for Mr. Beal's service and his many positive contributions to Rockland over the years.  The Council and City Attorney have been working together collaboratively on an amicable and respectful basis.  Mr. Beal will leave City employment in good standing and with recognition of his able public service.  The City Councilors wish the best to Mr. Beal in his future professional and personal endeavors and appreciate his willingness to defer his personal plans in order to assist the City in the transition period.”