Community Resources Director Mary Rooney, who was placed on administrative leave in October, officially tendered her resignation this past week, Hermosa Beach city officials said Tuesday.

Rooney, who has worked for the city since 1984, has been under investigation for matters Rooney’s boss, City Manger Steve Burrell, and Hermosa Beach City Council members consider to be a personnel issue.

“Basically it’s a personnel issue and I really don’t have any comment at all,” said Burrell. “She resigned with the city and I wish her luck in the future.”

Rooney left a position where she earned about $117,000 this past year after accepting a similar position in the city of Walnut located in eastern Los Angeles County with a population of about 30,000 residents.

Hermosa Beach city officials are still not saying why Rooney was placed on administrative leave.

According to a story in the Daily Breeze newspaper March 11, a former employee who quit her job with the city because of problems with Rooney said the former director frequently threatened and yelled at her staff.

The city recently deposed the former employee during its investigation into Rooney.

The employee also said Rooney was placed on leave after more complaints made by other employees who were also deposed.

In her deposition, the employee told officials Rooney belittled her staff, voiced crude sexual innuendos, commented on the ethnicity of her staff and made derogatory remarks about other city employees such as the city manager, the finance director and the former fire chief.

Rooney’s career began as the community resources coordinator and the city appointed her the director of the department in 1990. This particular branch of local government is responsible for all cultural, recreational and community services, programs and events. She acted as a liaison between the council and various groups that host community-related events such as the Mervyn’s Beach Bash, AVP volleyball tournament, and Sunset Concerts series. Rooney also served as the interim manager in 1993.

“It’s a personnel decision and I expected Steve to handle it as one by resolving it fairly and with respect to the city,” said Councilman Art Yoon.