(KAIR)--Atchison's City Manager Trey Cocking is resigning.

In a letter addressed to the City of Atchison, Cocking said he made the difficult decision to accept a position of Deputy Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities in Topeka.

His last day will be Aug. 30.

Along with professional reasons, Cocking said family largely guided his decision.

His wife, who works in Topeka, is expecting their first child in September.

“She has a fantastic job in Topeka and with the little one coming, I don't think it's fair to her to have to drive two hours,” Cocking said. “This is a move that we can both be in the same city and be close to our daughter. From a family perspective, for us, it makes sense.”

Cocking said, although he's excited about his new position, he hates to leave Atchison.

“Number one, it's a wonderful city staff that we have here,” Cocking said. “It's just a great team of dedicated professionals who really do want the best for this community. Number two, it's the people of Atchison. It's a wonderful community and I have so much pride in this place. It really is a truly special place. I've been honored to be here for eight years.

Mayor of Atchison Allen Reavis called Cocking a huge asset for the city of Atchison.

“He's been a great leader in the city,” he said. “We've created a more dynamic city team. We're definitely accomplishing a lot of our goals to move the city forward.”

Reavis said Cocking brought the city out of a financial crisis during his time as city manager as has kept the property tax levy at almost a flat rate.

“The good news is Trey is still going to be helping us because he's going to work for The League of Kansas Municipalities,” Reavis said. “He'll be advocating for all the cities and by having the chief lobbyist for the league, I think we'll still have Trey working for us. I think it'll be good for the city and good for Trey.”

Below is Cocking's letter posted in its' entirety.

A letter to Atchison:

Recently, I made the difficult decision to accept the position of Deputy Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities in Topeka. My passion for Kansas cities makes this an exciting calling for me, as I will be able to serve all 625 cities, but the decision to accept this position was largely guided by family. My wife Jen and I are expecting our first child in September, and Jen works in Topeka. Although we love Atchison and have immensely enjoyed living here, it’s important to me that she can spend more time with our daughter and less time on the road. My last day with the City of Atchison will be August 30th.

I want to say thank you to the City of Atchison staff, who do an amazing job striving to improve the lives of Atchison’s citizens.  These dedicated public servants work hard every day to make Atchison the best city in Kansas.  I am honored to have served as their leader and to have been a part of the highs and lows that Atchison has experienced over the last eight years.  I have complete faith in their ability to deliver the very best to this great city. 

I also want to say thank you to the citizens of Atchison who have shared their lives with me.  Atchison is truly a special place.  There are exciting things happening here and Atchison’s citizens should be proud. 

It has been an absolute honor to serve as your City Manager for the last eight years.  Thank you for welcoming me and allowing me to become a part of our community.  We have worked hard together to brighten  Atchison’s future, and I have no doubt the next City Manager will continue to steer Atchison in the right direction. 

In the end, I just want to say,

Thank you!