Brazos County Commission Approves The Tax Assessor-Collector’s Early Retirement Request And Selects An Interim Director

(L-R) Brazos County commissioner Wanda Watson and incoming interim tax assessor-collector Melissa Leonard visit following the July 12, 2024 county commission meeting.
(L-R) Brazos County commissioner Wanda Watson and incoming interim tax assessor-collector Melissa Leonard visit following the July 12, 2024 county commission meeting.

A change of leadership at the Brazos County tax office on August 1st is officially approved by county commissioners.

During a special meeting Friday (July 12), commissioners accepted the early retirement of tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and appointed deputy Melissa Leonard to finish Roe’s unexpired term.

Roe, who did not seek a fifth term, sought the early retirement to allow tax information for the upcoming year to be registered in the name of her successor.

Leonard, a 24 year employee of the tax office who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, faces a Libertarian candidate in the November general election.

Click below to hear a visit with Melissa Leonard and WTAW’s Bill Oliver, followed by comments from the July 12, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.

Listen to “Brazos County Commission approves the tax assessor-collector's early retirement request and selects an interim director” on Spreaker.

News release from Brazos County:

In a special session of Brazos County Commissioners Court on July 12, 2024, commissioners accepted the resignation/retirement of longtime Brazos County Tax Assessor/Collector Kristeen Roe and approved the appointment of Melissa Leonard to fill the position.

Roe had previously decided not to run for re-election, and in January started the process of audits which are legally required when a tax assessor/collector leaves office. Once those audits were completed, Roe realized stepping aside now would allow the taxing information for the upcoming year to be registered in the new official’s name, thereby making the transition easier for the county as a whole.

Leonard has served as Brazos County’s deputy tax assessor/collector for 24 years and has completed all training and bonding to be able to seamlessly fill the position.

“We are grateful for the many years Kristy Roe has faithfully served the citizens of Brazos County,” said County Judge Duane Peters. “I am confident that Melissa Leonard will be able to continue that service and the Tax Office will be in good hands.”

Roe’s retirement is effective July 31, 2024, and Leonard’s appointment begins August 1st.

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