A RATEPAYERS' group has been left "shocked" and uncertain after Macedon Ranges Shire's chief executive Margot Stork announced her resignation.
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The council revealed the decision in a press release on Monday.
It did not give a reason for her decision, which came three years into a four-year contract.
Macedon Ranges Residents' Association secretary Christine Pruneau said the group learned the news on Tuesday morning.
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"We feel very uncertain now - uncertain because we don't yet have any information on this next period, when the council is dealing with an election and the pandemic," she said.
The advocacy group was not aware why Ms Stork had resigned or when it would take effect when the Bendigo Advertiser contacted it before noon on Tuesday.
Three Macedon Ranges councillors reviewed Ms Stork's key performance indicators in the lead up to August's council meeting.
That was part of an annual review, minutes from the meeting show, and all councillors had an opportunity to view Ms Stork's self-assessment of her performance.
Councillors discussed the results in a section of the August meeting that was closed to the public in line with the Local Government Act 2020, which bars unreasonable disclosures of personal information.
Mayor Janet Pearce said Ms Stork's performance review was not related to the chief executive's decision to resign.
"The CEO's performance has always been regularly reviewed against key performance indicators and the latest report to council shows the CEO clearly achieved them," Cr Pearce said.
Cr Pearce said a transition plan would be announced at a later date.
"There's a council meeting on (September 16) and caretaker period comes into effect (due to council elections," she said. "So an interim acting CEO will be required.
"We're conscious of an election but (choosing a new CEO) takes a lot of consideration. We need to have time and consider the new council coming in."
Cr Pearce acknowledged Ms Stork's leadership and her "innovative and progressive" thinking in the media release sent out on Monday.
"She's achieved a great deal (and has) always been really respected," Cr Pearce said. "We wish her well for the future."
Ms Stork declined to comment.