Auburn City Manager Mark Palesh threw a wrench into the rumor mill Thursday when he said he was not resigning.

Rumors have been floating around the city for about two weeks that he planned to quit, only seven months after taking his post.

Palesh pointed to the comptroller's office as the origin of gossip.

But Comptroller Lisa Green said she did not tell people the hearsay she heard from another city employee, one who doesn't work in her department.

Workers in the corporation counsel, clerk's office, and mayor's office have all said they received phone calls from members of the media or the public.

None have received a notice of resignation.

One television channel called to see if it should send reporters to capture his supposed resignation during Thursday's council meeting.

“Well, (resigning that way) would be a slap in the face of the people who hired me,” Palesh said.

Palesh pointed to his three-year contract, as well as a clause that states the policy of quitting.

The provision requires Palesh to notify the council in writing 90 days before his termination date, unless otherwise agreed.

Some councilors have complained about the lack of communication during council meetings over the past few weeks.

Councilor William Graney said he asked Palesh about the rumor Wednesday and Palesh had “given every indication he intended to stay.”

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext . 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net