On Thursday, November 16, people from all over the county came to show their appreciation for and wish a happy retirement to Darlene Bane, Winston County Tax Assessor for the last eight years. County and city officials stopped by, as did many friends of the Bane family.
Perhaps the highlight of the reception came from a speech prepared by her successor – and friend – Natasha Walker.
Walker described Bane as a good friend, mother, leader and teacher “to us all” in the tax assessor’s office. She added that Bane’s footprints are “worth following” and that it had been a pleasure working with Bane. She also thanked her for all the training that Bane had offered to her since Walker won the election in August.
Wanda Coward also spoke for the ladies of the tax office. She echoed the words of Walker, speaking of how fond each of the women in the office was for Bane.
Food for the reception was prepared by Beverly Wilkes of Noxapater. People came in and out leisurely, but all came to express their gratitude for Mrs. Bane and her time in office.
Bane spoke of her time as Winston County’s tax assessor: “I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the taxpayers of Winston County these last eight years. I came in green with a postal background. With the support of my wonderful staff, I jumped in and learned as much as a could as fast as I could.”
Bane also expressed thanks to the Winston County Board of Supervisors for their part in providing continuing education and training opportunities during her time in office. “The Board allowed me to attend all training opportunities. They also allowed my staff to advance their knowledge through collector and assessor courses. I’m proud that each of my employees has studied hard passed several classes. Four have received the Mississippi Collector of Revenue designation.”
When asked about retirement plans, Bane stated, “Ricky and I hope to attend as many events for our four grandchildren as we can. I see baseball tournaments, cheer competitions, and archery meets in our future.”
Bane also added that she is stepping into a new role – that of a preacher’s wife. They will be serving at both Whitehall and Center Ridge.
Travel is also another bucket list item on Bane’s retirement plan checklist. “Unlike some, we love the backroads. By avoiding the interstates, we see the real countryside.”
Bane says she also wants to sharpen her writing and photography skills.
“I will definitely miss my courthouse family but look forward to doing things on my own time schedule,” added Bane. “I’m so proud of Tasha Walker and the hard work she is already doing to prepare to take over the office. With her many years of experience, I feel she will be an excellent public servant for Winston County. Ever since election night, she has been training on the Tax Assessor’s duties. She attended the Fall Conference with me this past week and got acquainted with several leaders from the Department of Revenue and fellow Assessors across the state. We match on our philosophy of taxation: tax the citizens equally for what they have and treat everyone fairly; not every problem can be solved to the taxpayer’s liking. But, if you treat everyone fairly and tax according to the law, you can sleep well at night. I feel Winston County is in good hands.”
