But whether Kronstal was forced to choose between Tuaro Dairy or city hall -- or volunteered to leave -- depends on who you talk to.

"It was getting more and more into a perceived conflict of interest," said Mayor Dave Lovell Monday, the day the decision was announced.

"It was either the dairy or work for the city, one or the other," said Lovell.

The mayor said the decision to have Kronstal make a choice was made by administration, but said alderman were aware of it and agreed with it.

Kronstal, however, had a very different version of the decision.

"There was no ultimatum, nobody said this is decision time," he said Tuesday morning.

"It was getting to the point where I did not have enough time to be involved in both things and do them well, so I had to make a choice, for myself."

Public concerns over a conflict of interest between Kronstal's city job and his involvement with the dairy flared up last month, when it was revealed Tuaro was underbilled on its lease agreement with the city for seven months last year.

The dairy is currently more than $50,000 in arrears.

Lovell said Kronstal's resignation took effect Friday, the day he submitted it.

Asked if he believed he had been in a conflict of interest before quitting his job, Kronstal replied, "I believe there was no conflict. For any number of reasons, the community sensed this wasn't the case."

Kronstal said he made it clear he intended to continue his involvement with what was then Agriborealis Dairy when he was interviewed for the position of finance director nine years ago.

He said media presentation of the issue has fed the perception a conflict existed.

"No one's ever talked to the interview panel, which included the then mayor, Pat MacMahon, and found out why I was hired as finance director on the full understanding I would continue with the dairy."

Kronstal noted in many communities municipal officials own businesses in the community in which they serve.

He said the terms of his hiring included provisions that he would not have any involvement in city dealings with the dairy.

"During the time I was a city finance official I had no role in any financial dealings between the city and Tuaro," said Kronstal.