Tazewell assessments chief resigns

Shoopman steps down amid controversy over late tax bills

BY KAREN McDONALD
OF THE JOURNAL STAR

PEKIN - The Tazewell County Supervisor of Assessments resigned late Thursday amid controversy surrounding the office over late tax bills and accusations he wasn't doing an effective job.

Mac Shoopman tendered his resignation to County Board Chairman Jim Unsicker effective Friday, only 15 months into his four-year term.

He indicated he wanted to pursue other professional opportunities.

"There was some level of disenchantment, and a number of folks out there who weren't too satisfied with how that office was run," Unsicker said.

The county was three months late in processing tax bills, meaning taxing bodies will not receive their first disbursement until October. The delay prompted concern - most notably from school districts who rely heavily on property taxes for funding and are being forced to borrow money to pay bills.

Shoopman told the Journal Star earlier this week he was frustrated with taking the brunt of the blame for problems beyond his control.

The assessor's office experienced a nearly 100 percent turnover rate since Shoopman began, including Laurie Epkins, the former chief deputy assessor of eight years, who accepted Shoopman's former position in Woodford County.

Additionally, several employees took lateral positions in other county offices with the same pay, but a less-demanding workload.

"My greatest concern right now is the assessment staff in the office be provided sufficient resources and additional training necessary for them to meet statutory requirements. I do not believe the County Board realizes that it has a dedicated assessment office staff that work very hard under difficult circumstances without adequate compensation," Shoopman said in an e-mail to the Journal Star.

The Board of Review's work also slowed the process. They were in session for several months longer than usual to catch up on properties omitted from the tax rolls. Area taxing bodies pressured township assessors to capture the missed taxes.

Unsicker acknowledged the problems weren't all Shoopman's fault. "There were unique challenges to that office beyond the supervisor's control," he said.

Shoopman was appointed to a four-year term in Tazewell County beginning April 2005. He previously worked as Woodford County's supervisor of assessments for four years.

Before Shoopman took over in Tazewell County, the assessment office had been without a lead assessor since January 2005. Brent Dornan served as the supervisor for about six years and left to work as a private consultant.

The County Board chairman is charged with appointing someone to the position, with approval from the board. Unsicker said he is in no rush to fill the vacant spot.

"Work will go on and I feel confident we won't have any difficulties. We've got good staff up there," Unsicker said, adding he is not concerned about the effect Shoopman's resignation may have on 2007 tax bills.

"It's probably going to be a little bit more work for me, but I'm used to it and consider it as a challenge. We'll get through it in good shape," he said.

Karen McDonald can be reached at 346-5300 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.