Reno City Manager Andrew Clinger is placing himself on voluntary leave amid a sexual harassment probe.
In an email to staff on Monday, Clinger wrote he would take leave for 15 days to ensure city business can continue without "interruption or distraction."
He appointed Assistant City Manager Bill Thomas as acting manager in his absence.
His departure comes after City Council voted last week to appoint an outside law firm to investigate allegations of misconduct filed by three female employees.
Clinger has denied the allegations and said the initial probe into those complaints found no wrongdoing.
During the special meeting last week, Councilwoman Jenny Brekhus asked Clinger to step away during the new investigation. The city is prepared to spend $50,000 on that effort.