Port Arthur council asks Jefferson County tax assessor to reconsider temporary closure of Port Arthur satellite office

The Port Arthur City Council approved a resolution expressing opposition to the proposed temporary closure of the Jefferson County tax assessor-collector’s sub-courthouse office in Port Arthur and requesting immediate reconsideration and reversal of that decision.

Council members discussed notices they had recently received and read statements from the county tax assessor’s office. Councilwoman Beckham relayed information from County Tax Assessor-Collector Kate Carroll: staffing attrition countywide, recent retirements and medical leaves, and the office’s need to train new hires. Carroll’s office told the council the closure is intended to be temporary — up to 90 days — while new staff are trained; the office said many services are available online and at other local locations, but that certain services (for example, motor-vehicle title transfers) require in-person visits.

Mayor Thurman Barty and several council members expressed strong opposition to removing services from Port Arthur. Councilman Doucet said the city should ask the county to temporarily reassign staff from other county offices or use temporary staffing pools to maintain service at the sub-courthouse, and several council members said the closure — even if temporarily described — would have immediate negative impacts for residents who rely on in-person assistance.

Councilwoman Everfield said the tax assessor had told her the closure is temporary and that the office hopes to reopen the Port Arthur location sooner than 90 days if staffing permits. Council members asked that the city formally convey residents’ concerns and request that the county maintain local services.

The resolution (PR No. 24364) was moved by Councilman Doucet and seconded by Councilwoman Beckham; the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The action asks Jefferson County to reconsider and reverse the planned temporary closure and to ensure adequate, accessible service in the Port Arthur sub-courthouse while staff training continues.

Council staff and members noted logistical details supplied by the tax assessor’s office: most vehicle-sticker purchases and some payments can be completed online or at participating retailers (HEB, Kroger); a small subset of services (notably title transfers) must be completed in person. The tax assessor’s office provided an August 25 reopening deadline if the office must remain closed the full 90 days but said it might reopen sooner.