Alexandria City Manager James Hartmann announced his resignation Monday afternoon.

Hartmann is leaving to pursue other professional opportunities, perhaps in Florida, according to city officials. He has agreed to stay on until City Council adopts the fiscal 2012 budget, a vote scheduled for May 2.

Hartmann served as city manager since Jan. 10, 2005. Prior to working Alexandria, he was the county administrator for Spartanburg County, S.C.

The City Council will meet in the coming weeks to discuss the search for the next city manager, officials said, with an anouncement expected in a few weeks.

“In his six years here, Jim Hartmann has served the City exceptionally,” Mayor Bill Euille said in a statement. “He has collaborated closely with council and city staff to build an outstanding management team; successfully guided the city through economic difficulties; increased government transparency; implemented organizational efficiencies, and improved customer service. The legacy of his work is a strong government, focused on the future, that is more accountable, effective, and responsive to the needs of its community and residents.”