Ela Township assessor quits

Ela Township Assessor Pamela Hoffman will resign her post today after 13 years with the township.

Hoffman was re-elected as part of Township Supervisor Lucy Prouty's slate in April 2005. She said she didn't plan on leaving when she ran for re-election, but is quitting to spend more time with family.

"It's just a life choice," said the 53-year-old, who is moving to northern Wisconsin. "You never know when life is going to offer a chance at something different. It's a happy moment in my life."

Hoffman worked four years as deputy assessor for Wauconda Township before being elected Ela Township assessor. She was responsible for appraising roughly 14,000 homes and 16,000 to 17,000 land parcels.

"The job of assessor is not an easy one and extremely difficult to grasp," she said. She has recommended her deputy, John Barrington, as her replacement.

Prouty said she was surprised when Hoffman handed in her resignation notice Nov. 2.

"She's done a good job and I'm going to miss her," she said. "It's disappointing. We ran together as independents in 2001. I think she's going to explore other occupations."

The township board has 90 days to appoint a replacement to serve out the remaining year and a half of Hoffman's term. Officials may consider any township resident for the job, Prouty said.

"I'm pretty sure we will have somebody by our next meeting on Dec. 12," she said.

Though an elected post, the assessor's job comes with a $54,461 yearly salary, including benefits such as health insurance and a retirement plan. For inquiries, contact the township office at (847) 438-7823.