NORWICH – Without stating reason in a letter of voluntary resignation, John Zielinski has stepped down from his position as City Chamberlin, and city leaders are considering the impact it may have as they enter talks for the 2017 budget.

After a year on the job, Zielinski submitted his resignation just two weeks ago, giving Norwich officials little heads up in terms of prepping for the change.

In the interim, the Norwich Common Council has appointed Deputy City Chamberlin Dee DuFour to assume responsibilities of the acting city chamberlain through the end of the year. The decision to put off a search for a full-time candidate was made in the best interest of the city, said Mayor Christine Carnrike.

“John’s departure came at an unusual time,” said Carnrike, explaining that the city is just starting the 2017 budgeting process. “Rather than looking for someone new when we have a budget to prepare and a few other issues facing the city, we saw a good option in having Dee who has 26 years of experience working in city government. I think we’re blessed that we can take advantage of it.”