In a decisive move, the Orange County Commissioners Court convened at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, and unanimously appointed Octavia Guzman as the new Tax Assessor/Collector, following the resignation of long-serving officeholder Karen Fisher.
Fisher, who has been at the helm of the Orange County Tax Assessor/Collector’s office for over three decades, announced her retirement last month, effective July 31. Although her current term was set to conclude on December 31, her early departure necessitated a swift appointment to ensure continuity in the office’s operations.
Guzman, a veteran with over ten years of experience within the tax office, emerged as the successor. She ran unopposed in the March Republican primary and faces no Democratic challenger, securing her position with unanimous support from the Commissioners Court.
The Tax Assessor/Collector’s office is a pivotal entity in Orange County, responsible for the collection of property taxes for the county, cities, school districts, and six special districts. The office also manages the distribution of these collected taxes to the appropriate entities. Additionally, it oversees vehicle and boat registrations and handles various other administrative duties.
Guzman’s extensive experience and unchallenged candidacy underscore a seamless transition as the office continues its critical functions under new leadership.
