Guzman named interim tax assessor-collector as Fisher retires

Octavia Guzman will officially become the new Orange County tax assessor-collector on July 31 as Karen Fisher retires.

Commissioners Court Tuesday accepted Fisher's resignation after she worked in the office for 32 years, with eight of those as the top official.

The court took only a few minutes in a closed door session to name longtime employee Guzman as the interim tax assessor-collector. Guzman ran unopposed for the position in the March Republican primary and has no opposition in the November general election.

Commissioners Court honored her with a plaque, but County Judge John Gothia said he was taking it back for a day. On Wednesday, July 23, at noon, the Lunch Bunch will gather at noon at Robert's Steakhouse to honor her. The informal group will include retired public officials including former county judge Carl Thibodeaux.

Fisher's current elected term ends on December 31, so Guzman will be the interim until her term starts on January 1.

The tax assessor-collector's office collects property taxes for the county, cities, school districts, and six special districts. The office then distributes the collected paid taxes to the appropriate entities. In addition, the office handles vehicle and boat registrations, along with other duties.

County Judge John Gothia jokingly told Fisher the court didn't want to let her go and asked what would happen if they rejected her retirement letter. When the issue came to a vote it took a minute for Precinct 1 Commissioner Johnny Trahan to make the motion. Even then, Precinct 4 Commissioner Robert Viator refused to vote, smiled and said he abstained.

Fisher said she always promised to give citizens 110 percent of her effort and she's not up to that now.

After the closed-door session to choose Guzman, Gothia told her their comments about wanting to keep Fisher should not reflect on her because they know she will do a great job.

Maintenance Director Kurt Guidry reported that work is continuing on the county's Emergency Operations Center with wiring being installed for a dispatch office. He said Entergy will be installing a new generator at the EOC and the large appliance needs an boom truck and another large truck, so part of the road may be blocked on Thursday. The installation will depend on the weather.

He said his department continues work on air conditioners throughout the county buildings and offices. Part of the system in the main courthouse building is not working and he said the humidity is getting high. The part needed is on back order for possibly eight months.

He has gotten dehumidifiers for some of the courthouse offices. The one in 128th District Court cut back 10 percent of the humidity, but it was still not at the normal level.

County Engineer Corey Oldbury reported the East Roundbunch Road Swing Bridge had 68 openings and closings in June. The swing bridge is being opened to allow large ships through Cow Bayou, especially tugboats and barges bring huge, pre-fabricated sections of the new Chevron Phillips chemical plant being built along Highway 87 South.

He said the County Road and Bridge Department has been working to coordinate with the company to get advance notices of when the bridge needs to be opened. Lights are working at the bridge.

Oldbury said the county sends two employees to open and close the bridge, which in the past has had some operating problems. The bridge was already used when the county acquired it in 1960.

He also told commissioners some extra work will need to be done on J.B. Arrington Road near Mandi Lane. The road is west of Highway 62.

Bills paid included $175,000 from the general operating fund to the Orange County Economic Development for quarterly membership payment. Also, $82,347 from the general fund to Amwins Group Benefits to pay for August insurance for retirees age 65 and older, and $10,000 from the general fund to Patillo, Brown & Hill or the county's annual audit.