FAIRHOPE, Alabama—One of the city’s top staff persons has taken a new job.

“It’s a good opportunity,” said Jason Colee, information technology director, of a similar position he has taken with the city of Madison. “I think we’ve made a lot of progress here and left a path to finish the work started.”

Colee has worked three years for Fairhope. He gave notice last Wednesday, with his last day Nov. 28, he said.

Mayor Tim Kant pointed to Colee’s work in upgrading police communications and preparing for a replacement of the citywide computer system as notable accomplishments.

“I hate to see him go,” said Kant, adding it was too soon to talk about a replacement.

City Administrator Gregg Mims said Colee was the best IT staffer he had ever worked with.

“His technical and personal skills are great,” Mims said. “The city will miss him.”

Mims discounted rumors that Colee’s resignation was connected to the subpoena Colee received in September as part of a federal investigation of a $639,000 city contract awarded in 2010 to state Sen. Trip Pittman.

“Jason wasn’t involved with procurement issues, and his subpoena was only for electronic records,” said Mims, who also received a subpoena, along with Kant and half a dozen other city staff. “Any one suggesting that’s why he’s leaving is ridiculous.”

Colee stated he did not testify before the grand jury but worked with federal authorities to provide documents through city attorneys.

He declined to elaborate on the specific reasons for taking the new job.