RINCON -- City Planner LaMeisha Hunter Kelly voiced nothing but gratitude in the letter of resignation she submitted to City Manager John Klimm.

Kelly, who hasn't publicly divulged her next career step, has served the City of Rincon for 13 years. Her final day as city planner will be July 2.

"Thank you. Thank you for the leadership and mentorship that you have displayed since you have been our city manager," the letter states. "I enjoy working with you and learning from you. This has not been an easy decision to make but I am now submitting my notice of resignation."

Kelly's responsibilities in city government grew substantially over the years. Frequently working directly with the city council, she served in the areas of planning and zoning, development, grants administration and finance. She accepted the role of interim of city manager after Wes Sampson resigned in 2018, handling the city's day-to-day operations until Klimm was hired.

"Not many planners get to experience working on projects such as capital projects, local options sales tax, special purpose location option sales tax and service delivery negotiations, or with state agencies such as the Department of Community Affairs, Department of Transportation and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division," Kelly said in her letter. "Plus, I have been able to work with the city attorney, engineers and consultants.

"As always, I am thankful for the City of Rincon team. Again, they make my transition a difficult decision to make."

Kelly told Klimm that she will put together a transition plan to aid her successor. She also told the city manager that will be glad to assist him in the future.

Effingham Living readers voted Kelly the Most Fabulous Government worker in Effingham County in 2018. She was also named the grand marshal of the Rincon Noon Lions Club Parade that year.