By Leann Schenke

HARRINGTON — Daniel Tartt has resigned as city manager after a little more than a year on the job.

Mr. Tartt’s hiring was approved by City Council in May 2020. In his role as city manager, he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city and reported to council.

Harrington Mayor Duane E. Bivans confirmed Mr. Tartt had resigned Tuesday.

Police Chief Norman Barlow also confirmed Tuesday that he will serve as interim city manager until the position is filled.

Neither Mayor Bivans nor Chief Barlow had a specific date for Mr. Tartt’s resignation. Mayor Bivans said it was announced during a Monday City Council meeting.

Neither had a reason for Mr. Tartt’s departure.

Chief Barlow said he is not sure how the city will handle finding a replacement, though he noted that it will likely be discussed in upcoming council meetings. He said Mr. Tartt “worked well” with city staff during his time on the job.

Hailing from Florida, Mr. Tartt moved to Harrington in 1993. Prior to serving as city manager, he was chairman of the city’s board of adjustments for more than a decade. He also held other volunteer positions.

Mr. Tartt was previously employed by the Delaware Division of Corporations.

His employment with the city came on the heels of controversy: Mr. Tartt’s predecessor, Don Williams, was fired in January 2020 following the state’s Public Integrity Commission finding that he and then-Mayor Anthony Moyer “more than likely” engaged in conduct that was in violation of the state’s Code of Conduct, according to the commission’s findings.

In October 2019, then-city planner Jeremy Rothwell accused then-City Manager Williams and then-Mayor Moyer of time theft. Mr. Williams also was accused of misuse of city funds, and Mr. Moyer of abuse of authority and city resources.

Mr. Williams was suspended by City Council and eventually fired. Mr. Moyer temporarily stepped away from his duties, then resigned in August 2020.

Both men disputed the allegations, and Mr. Williams filed a federal lawsuit against the city in April 2021, alleging that he was not afforded due process with his 2019 suspension and termination.

Chief Barlow also served as city manager while Mr. Williams was suspended.