DeKalb County has released the text of the resignation letter from Joe Basista, DeKalb’s director of Watershed Management. The county revealed Thursday that Basista will leave his post on March 8.

His three-sentence resignation letter dated Jan. 27 is addressed to his supervisor, Ted Rhinehart, the county's deputy chief operating officer:

Ted:
I am resigning my position with DeKalb County Government, effective March 8, 2013 or earlier if the County so desires.
This action is for personal and family reasons. I am leaving the work force and will not be taking another position elsewhere.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with DeKalb County.
Thank you and sincerely,
Joe Basista

County CEO Burrell Ellis appointed Basista to manage the county’s watershed services on Aug. 22, 2011. Basista cited personal reasons for his departure, according to a county news release.

“I appreciate Joe’s service to the county,” Ellis said in a statement. “I accept his resignation and wish him the very best.”

Basista’s resignation comes as a special purpose grand jury investigating contracting within the Watershed department is wrapping up its yearlong probe.

It is the second high-profile departure in a week. On Monday, Public Safety Director William Miller announced that he will step down at the end of the month.

The release said the county will conduct a national search to identify a new Watershed director.

Watershed Management provides safe drinking water and wastewater treatment services for more than 700,000 DeKalb County residents.