Rockdale County announced the county's Public Affairs Director Erica Fatima would be resigning effective Oct. 6.

In a letter dated Sept. 22 to Board of Commissioners Chairman Richard Oden, Fatima gave a two-week notice.

She wrote, "Thank you for the opportunity to served as the Director of Public Affairs and Innovative Programs. This experience has been both rewarding and strengthening. This letter serves as my two weeks' notice, as I believe the decision is mutually beneficial. For the duration of the two weeks, I will work remotely and remain available during operating business hours."

Chief of Staff Greg Pridgeon said Fatima was not asked to resign and did not know if she was leaving for another position elsewhere.

"We know it's a challenge trying to do things with a limited budget," said Pridgeon. "I know that was a little bit of a concern to her."

Currently the Public Affairs department has at least one part-time intern paid out of county funds. Internships funded by the Associaton of County Commissioners of Georgia had recently ended.

Pridgeon said the county would be looking to hire someone again in the position. In the interim, Pridgeon will be taking on media relations duties.

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IN BRIEF (Sept. 26, 10:49 a.m.) : Rockdale County announced Public Affairs Director Erica Fatima would be resigning effective Oct. 6.

Fatima, who previously worked at the Ga. Department of  Transportation, was hired in April 2010.

Prior to her hiring, the position had been vacant since 2009, when then Director Julie Mills was let go. Deputy Director Holly LaFontaine had served as interim director and was one of three finalists for the position in 2010. LaFontaine's position was cut in 2010. LaFontaine filed a lawsuit  in federal court alleging discrimination charges.