Time draws to an end for Deville as assessor

After 20 years serving Evangeline Parish as tax assessor, Dirk Deville leaves the office in the hands of newly-elected assessor Chris Guillory. Deville expressed his appreciation to the people of Evangeline Parish for the opportunity to serve for so long, not just as assessor but also the eight years as state representative. “It’s been a pleasure, an honor. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot over those years, more specifically with regard to the assessor’s office.”
Under his administration, Deville said now they have all of the parish property mapping online and have been able to improve technology in the office. About three years ago, the mapping data got hacked for ransom. The FBI told them to just let it go. Deville and his staff had to start from scratch to build up the mapping system again. He said of the technology upgrades, “All of these things are providing the office with what it needs for the future.”
When asked what he has learned over the years as assessor, Deville said, “You learn patience and the value of patience as you grow older and are in a role where you deal with people on serious matters to them. When you’re talking about affecting their budgets, it’s a very serious thing for them. Sometimes you need to have patience to be able to sit and explain and listen and understand. Over the years I had a lot of meetings with a lot of people about values on property. Fortunately, when people had an issue with an assessment my office made, and they reached out to me, we always sat down and came to an understanding.”
When asked if there was a benefit in working for a small, rural parish, Deville said, “I have to believe that, because I’ve visited with too many of my colleagues all over the state. In a small parish, you get to where you know almost everybody. In a parish like East Baton Rouge, there’s no way the assessor, Brian Wilson, can know the people as well as I know the people of Evangeline Parish. It’s a benefit, and it’s also a reward. It’s a treasure to know so many people on a personal level. We truly are one big family.”
Deville thanked his entire staff and said of CPA and Chief Deputy Josh Fontenot, “Josh has been a fantastic asset for me. I was lucky to get him when I got him. He’s been an asset to the entire parish.”
Deville is confident in new assessor Chris Guillory, saying, “Having been able to work with the incoming assessor for the last year was something I wanted to do to benefit the parish as a whole. I think that worked out very well. Chris has gotten to know the staff well, and he’s gotten to know a lot of the process. He’s still got some learning to do, but he’s well on his way. I think I leave the office in good hands.”
As for his plans now, Deville said he has several interests and owns several rental properties. He said he has been contacted by some individuals about different opportunities. “For the most part, I haven’t really made any concrete decisions yet.” With outgoing words, Deville encouraged everyone to “focus on our country and our government and our participations.” He asked everyone to do their civic duty by registering to vote and voting in each election.