Finance Director John Borget said Croff resigned April 9. Borget would not say why Croff, who spent 15 of his 23 years of city service as budget officer, left.

"I chatted with Eric Mausser, our human-resources director, and there is no comment on that," Borget said.

Nearly six years ago, five department heads - including the police chief and community-development director - left the city with little explanation, spurring speculation that Mayor Lewis Billings was purging his staff.

Calls to Billings on Croff's departure were returned by Helen Anderson, city spokeswoman, who said the city cannot say whether Croff's resignation was voluntary.

"He has his reasons," Anderson said of Croff.

Attempts to contact Croff were unsuccessful. The resignation, coming before the May 6 budget presentation, caught some by surprise.

"It is an interesting time to have him resign," Council Vice Chairman George Stewart said Wednesday. He said the only information he received from the administration was that Croff had resigned.

dmeyers@sltrib.com