HAMPTON -- Town Manager James Barrington has handed in his 60-day notice and will be resign from his position Aug. 26.

Barrington, who has served as the town manager since November 1996, announced his intentions during Monday night's selectmen's meeting.

"Recent transit events in Hampton has brought into sharp focus a number of realities that I find very disturbing," said Barrington. "Most personally and professionally. These have led me to the conclusion that I no longer have the desire to give the level of enthusiasm and commitment to Hampton that I believe a town manager must bring to the community he serves."

Barrington said he's proud of everything that the town has accomplished during his tenure despite the objections of "a noisy minority who lacked vision or who were motivated by self-serving interests."

He also thanked all the employees of the town, singling out former administrative assistant Karen Anderson, former finance director Dawna Duhamal, who resigned from her position last month, and town counsel Mark Gearreald.

"I'm particularly grateful to Karen Anderson, who helped me learn the ropes of Hampton," Barrington said. "To Mark Gearreald, who began as a councilor and a friend and soon became a brother. And to Dawna Duhamal who became my trusted confidante, my right arm in service, my motivation and my friend."

Barrington said he came to the conclusion that his family and his God are the most important things in his life.

"It's time to put them first, where they truly belong," Barrington said.

Selectman Ginny Bridle-Russell said she found out about Barrington's decision two hours before the meeting.

"As the person on the board who was there 10 years ago when we hired you, it's been a pleasure to serve with you," said Bridle-Russell. "You were always someone I could call and ask, 'What do you think about that' and get an honest answer. Honesty and integrity are not always found in town officials, and you certainly have exhibited that. And putting God and family first is something we should all do and not be bogged down by what society dictates what we do."

Barrington, who began considering leaving his post after attending his mother's funeral several months ago, said he will be moving back to Texas.

"We've been talking about it as a family, and things started coming together for us," Barrington said.

Barrington would not comment when asked if he has accepted another job. Earlier this year, Barrington began shopping around for other jobs and was a finalist for a position in Rochester.