DENVER -- The city manager of the embattled City of Black Hawk announced his resignation Wednesday, saying he is leaving his job to take care of his ailing mother.

Richard Lessner will resign effective April 1, according to a news release.

"The City of Black Hawk would like to thank Rick for his nearly five years of service,” said Black Hawk Mayor David Spellman in a written statement. “While we will be sad to see him go, his decision to put his family first is a good indication of the type of person he is. He has my personal admiration, and we wish him the best.”

Black Hawk has been the focus of controversy over how it uses historic funds to pay for the remodeling of the homes of elected officials.

CALL7 investigators have documented millions going to remodel the homes of elected officials, historic money going for non-historic upgrades like granite counters and doggy doors and thousands of city dollars going for city officials, including Lessner, to go on trip to Las Vegas that included city-purchased alcohol.

Lessner said he will remain in Black Hawk. He was sold a house that the city remodeled with historic funds before he bought it.

The Colorado Gaming Commission sent a letter last year to the state's top elected officials, asking the legislature and the governor to fix historic grant problem in Black Hawk. State Sen. Al White, R-Hayden, has sponsored a bill setting up a committee that would approve historic grants recommended by the city council before any money is spent. He is also considering a referendum that will take the historic grant money from Black Hawk.

Lessner made more than $152,000 last year. He could not be reached for comment, and he has previously refused to comment on camera to 7News.