Tim Larson, communications manager for the city of Sammamish, has resigned, City Manager Lyman Howard told the Reporter on Sept. 29.

Howard stated that Larson, who had been with the city for over 15 years, had handed in his resignation on Sept. 28.

Howard declined to comment on the circumstances regarding Larson’s resignation, stating he could not discuss personnel matters.

In documents obtained through a public records request, the Reporter found that Howard informed Larson on Aug. 24 that he was being placed on administrative leave with pay and benefits. It is unknown why city officials made this decision.

In the letter, Howard ordered Larson not to “discuss this investigation or any city business with any city employee or media contact while this process proceeds.”

Additionally, Larson was instructed to “remain available for contact between 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday regarding this investigation or other city business.”

Larson declined to comment publicly on his resignation.

The city’s Communications Department may be restructured in the near future, Howard said.

“We are in a place where we are looking at revising the communication strategy,” Howard said. “We should be looking at having a report come before the City Council in October.”

The Reporter will update this story when more information becomes available.