PVE City Manager Judy Smith Resigns

Palos Verdes Estates City Manager Judy Smith has resigned her post, effective Feb. 22, 2013, the city of Palos Verdes Estates announced in a news release Friday morning.

Smith's resignation was announced at a special city council meeting Friday morning by Mayor George Bird.

"It has been my honor to serve the city these many years," Smith said in the news release. "I want to thank the city council members for the opportunity to assist them and thank the city staff for their professionalism and support."

The city council appointed Smith, then the acting city manager, to the city manager position in August 2011. The position opened after the council fired former City Manager Joe Hoefgen without cause in June 2011.

Hoefgen was later hired by the city of Redondo Beach.

Prior to becoming the city manager, Smith was an assistant city manager with the city. She previously served as city clerk and finance director.

As city manager, Smith's annual salary was $174,650, which included $25,000 for housing.

"Judy has provided leadership in City Hall and has been a part of our community for many years," Bird said in a statement. "I know I speak for the whole Council when I say that we have great admiration for Judy, and we accepted her resignation reluctantly."

Bird said Smith resigned because she plans to move to Orange County.

The city council will recruit a new city manager.