BANGOR – The city’s finance director will leave his job March 2 to return to his hometown on Long Island.

The resignation of Ron Heller, 52, was announced Wednesday by City Manager Edward Barrett. Heller began his tenure in August 1995.

“It’s time for me to sit and reflect for awhile,” said Heller from his office in City Hall on Valentine’s Day. “I’m going home to Sag Harbor and my family’s home where I was born and raised. My parents are there. I have many friends there and I will be closer to my 14-year-old son.”

During Heller’s tenure, the city’s overall financial health has continued to improve, according to Barrett. Bangor has been recognized for excellence in financial reporting for three consecutive years by the Government Finance Officers Association, he stated in a press release. The city also has maintained a high quality bond rating.

Heller said that of all the goals he has achieved in Bangor, he is proudest of the AA- rating the city was given last month by Boston-based Standard & Poors, a major credit rating agency. It was the first time the agency had rated the city.

“Ron brought to his position exceptionally strong financial management and analytical skills,” said Barrett.

“He has been a key participant in a variety of priority city efforts including the establishment of the City Nursing Facility as a nonprofit corporation and developing the financial arrangements which assisted in the location of the Eastern Maine Discovery Museum in the Freese’s building downtown.”

The city manager said that an acting finance director would be presented to the City Council for its approval in the next week or so. He added that the search for Heller’s successor would get under way next week.

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do next,” said Heller. “I’m looking into some opportunities in finance. I’m considering doing some financial advisory work with municipalities. That’s a strong possibility, but nothing’s definite.”