Basehor City Administrator Carl Slaugh, who has overseen the city’s operations for three years, has resigned after City Council members failed to take action on renewing his contract earlier this week.

Slaugh’s contract expired Tuesday, and renewal of the pact was on Monday’s council agenda. However, no motion was made during the meeting — to renew or not renew Slaugh’s contract. Without a motion, the item died, and Slaugh’s contract expired.

Slaugh announced his resignation Tuesday, to be effective immediately.

Slaugh said he had noticed a difference in the council since April, when voters elected a new mayor and three new council members.

“This is kind of like political parties at the state level,” Slaugh said. “When elections take place, positions change because parties have changed. I saw a clear shift in this council. I knew it didn’t look good.”

Slaugh, 60, who served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, was community development coordinator for Merriam from 2000 to 2002. He was Hiawatha city administrator from 2002 to 2006. At the time of his resignation, his salary was $71,531.

No Basehor City Council members were available for comment about Slaugh.