Maribyrnong council is hunting for a new chief executive after Vince Haining announced he will step down in July.
After four years of leading the council through significant change, he said he was departing to spend more time with his family.
Mr Haining said the timing reflected a wish to look after his health and family and a belief that the historically debt-ridden council was now in a sound financial position.
“My goal was always to put the organisation of Maribyrnong council on the strongest possible footing in order to meet the changing needs of our community,” he said.
The council has reduced a
$33 million debt inherited from a bungled development by the former Footscray council to $4.9 million.
Mr Haining said the area was now recognised as an integral part of inner Melbourne.
The council has begun a recruitment process to appoint a new chief executive and will reveal interim management arrangements in coming weeks.
