Poughkeepsie City Administrator Debbie McDonnell announced she would resign less than a year into the position.

In an email to employees of the City of Poughkeepsie, McDonnell said her resignation would be effective Aug. 31. McDonnell was hired for the position in September 2016 after a nationwide search.

Her appointment was met with some resistance by the common council because her salary was increased by Mayor Rob Rolison without approval by the common council.

In the email, McDonnell announced that she will be starting as the Village Manager for Ossining in September.

Mayor Rob Rolison said he was unaware that McDonnell was contemplating leaving Poughkeepsie.

"She was here 8 months and did great things for the city. I wish her well in her future," he said.

Common Council member Chris Petsas, who was council president at the time was taken aback by the sudden resignation.

"A great deal of time and energy and literally thousands of dollars were spent on the search to find a well-qualified candidate to serve as our city administrator and now to have her leave on such short notice is concerning" said Petsas, who said he was not notified by the mayor about the resignation.

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