On Friday, for the first time since 1994, Hays County will get a new tax assessor-collector.
At its meeting Tuesday, the Hays County Commissioners Court accepted Luanne Caraway’s resignation effective the end of February, and appointed her assistant, Jenifer O’Kane, to serve the rest of Caraway’s term starting March 1. Caraway has served as tax assessor-collector for 25 years.
County staff honored Caraway upon her retirement. O’Kane spoke about Caraway’s career, the awards she has won and her involvement with numerous professional organizations. She also praised her leadership and noted that despite Caraway’s professional achievements, the thing that stood out the most to her was Caraway’s dedication to her work and the way she treats other people.
Paulette Brown, who was working in the tax assessor-collector’s office on Caraway’s first day, described the work Caraway did to unite and streamline the office. The first thing Caraway did, Brown said, was to ask everyone for their job descriptions and make arrangements to talk with every employee in the office. Brown said she was nervous because her work in the office did not match her official job description, so she asked Caraway, “Would you like to know what I actually do, or do you want my job description?”
Brown said Caraway worked hard to improve the state of the tax assessor-collector’s office.
“Things that were going on undercover went away,” she said.
Caraway herself spoke to the commissioners, thanking them for the support she received whenever there was a need in her office.
“I just want to thank the court, this court, previous courts, for your support throughout the years,” she said.
Caraway called her years of service to the community and getting to know the people of Hays County an “unbelievable” experience she was fortunate to have had. She also praised her staff, both present and past.
“I couldn’t have done this job without them,” she said. “... We’ve had our ups and downs, we had some bad things happen in that office … we did clean up some things that were happening,” she said. “Hopefully we’re leaving it in a better situation.”
County Clerk Elaine Cardenas read aloud a resolution from State Rep. Erin Zwiener honoring Caraway for her service, congratulating her upon her retirement, praising her professionalism and dedication and wishing her the best for the future.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe thanked Caraway for her service.
“The comments that were made earlier really reflect the character of Luanne,” she said. “I really appreciate all the help she’s given me throughout the years, and her friendship.”
In the most recent election for tax assessor-collector, in November 2016, Caraway ran unopposed. O’Kane, who will serve out the remainder of Caraway’s four-year term, has worked for Caraway for nine years.
