SEARSPORT – Town Manager Sandra Blake has submitted a letter of resignation to selectmen, although the board has yet to act on it.

Chairman Joe Perry said Thursday that Blake cited what he termed confidential reasons for resigning.

He would not disclose the contents of Blake’s letter, and Blake could not be reached Thursday for comment.

Blake, 49, was hired in May 2003, with her employment beginning July 1 that year. She succeeded Jerry Storey, whose contract selectmen had refused to renew earlier that year.

Perry said selectmen would take up Blake’s resignation at their meeting on Tuesday night.

Last month, selectmen voted 4-1 to extend Blake’s employment contract through March 31, 2006. Perry cast the lone opposition vote.

“I’m not satisfied with her performance,” Perry said Thursday, explaining his vote. Perry also voted against hiring Blake in 2003, saying then that he did not believe she was qualified.

Blake completed a bachelor’s degree in public administration at the University of Maine in 2001. She began pursuing the degree at age 39 after her husband died. As part of her education, Blake completed an internship at the Searsport town office.

Her tenure has seen some personnel controversy. After Blake terminated longtime Finance Director Lee-Ann Horowitz, Horowitz fought the termination. At a special town meeting in December 2003, residents approved a financial settlement with Horowitz.

Perry said Blake’s resignation came as a surprise.

“She has indicated that she would stay until we get a new manager,” he said.