Harbormaster Michael Parola has resigned after 12 years with the department. His resignation is effective June 11.

"I've been looking towards doing something different for quite some time," said Parola, reached by phone Tuesday evening.

Parola was hired in 1998 for the position of Assistant Harbormaster and was promoted to Harbormaster several months later, after the previous Harbormaster retired. The Town Administrator at the time, Joseph Murphy, told Parola to "provide a positive and respected image and bring in more revenue" for the department, Parola recalled.

"I think I've accomplished everything I've set out to accomplish," Parola said.

During his tenure, the department has acquired three new boats, two trucks, and other equipment to help it do its job more effectively, at no cost to the taxpayer, Parola said.

Parola established a harbor service permit account, which helps fund the department with fees collected from harbor service and mooring permits. The department staff also aggressively pursued grants to help offset costs, Parola said.

Its most recent purchase was a $225,000 Boston Whaler, bought with a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant totaling $168,750 with the rest of the funds coming from the harbor service permit account.

"The department's in real good shape and when the new boat arrived, it was like this was a good time" to leave, Parola said.

Town Administrator Mark Andrews said he was surprised by Parola's resignation but happy for him. "I wished him well," Andrews said.

Board of Selectmen Chair Jane Donahue echoed that sentiment. "He did a great job for the town," Donahue said.

Selectman Cara Winslow said Parola is a great employee. "[Parola is] leaving us with a fully automated department and a brand new boat, which didn't cost the taxpayers a dime," she said. "I'm sorry to see him go."

Parola's resignation comes just as summer tourism is beginning to pick up. Andrews said he is going to speak with both Parola and Assistant Harbormaster Garry Buckminster to determine the next steps for the department.