Sabiston’s resignation is effective June 30, although the agreement reached following a closed session does give either party the option to end the contract sooner.

Speculation that Sabiston might announce his resignation has swirled throughout the community for several weeks. There was speculation he might do so following a closed session at last week’s city council work session.

“I have the utmost confidence in Mr. Sabiston, in that he will do all he can to hand off the reigns of this community in the best way he can that the current times allow,” Mayor Emery Doughtie said in a prepared statement.

“This has been coming,” Sabiston said following the meeting. “There’s not much to say. I gave notice. It’s time to move on.”

Sabiston said summer is the perfect time to plan his next move. “I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s a good community.”

Sabiston said he wanted to stay to help city council through the budget process, “And leaving the city in good shape. I wish everyone the best in the future.”

He said he has a number of options for jobs.

Asked if it was his choice to resign, he said, “It was time to move on.”

Sabiston wants to make sure the sidewalk project for Roanoke Avenue is done before he leaves and wants to continue to work with legislators on the sales tax issue.

He admitted, however, he will not see the proposed transfer station built. “At least we can get that started in the right direction.”

Sabiston began working with the city in August of 2009.

He told council before the vote, “I think it’s a good idea we work through the budget.”

Carl Ferebee made the motion to amend Sabiston’s contract and Ed Liverman cast the second.