To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dan M. Mierzwa, Treasurer-Tax Collector
Report Title: Recognizing Marcus E. Wright for 40 Years of service to Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Treasurer-Tax Collector
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a Resolution recognizing Marcus E. Wright, Tax Compliance Officer-Advance, for his 40 years of devoted public service to Contra Costa County and for contributions he rendered to the Treasurer-Tax Collector and residents of Contra Costa County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
None.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF
The Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize and thank Marcus E. Wright for his 40 years of devoted public service to Contra Costa County and for selfless contributions he rendered to the Treasurer-Tax Collector and residents of Contra Costa.
WHEREAS,
Marcus E. Wright began his career with Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector on September 15, 1986, as a temporary field collector under Alfred “Al” Lomeli, former CCC Treasurer-Tax Collector. Al Lomeli gave Marcus a job opportunity and told him: “You get more with honey than with vinegar and salt.” Marcus delivered seizure notices to property owners in delinquency. He was always prepared to help Taxpayers with their needs, representing the office with professionalism and statesmanship.
WHEREAS,
As a Tax Compliance Officer, Marcus later performed responsible and specialized collections involving delinquent unsecured property taxes owed to the County, which included telephone contact, establishing repayment schedules, explaining County policies and legal requirements, preparing correspondence, maintaining records, and fulfilling legal requirements. He was effective in his role because of his charismatic personality, approachable demeanor, and gentle and patient approach with Taxpayers. Often, Taxpayers visiting the office would ask for Marcus by name. Colleagues and community members alike valued his ability to explain challenging issues clearly while maintaining fairness and professionalism.
WHEREAS,
Marcus, a longtime resident of CCC, grew up in Richmond and Martinez, CA, and seemed to know a lot of the public personally. In 2018, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Alhambra High School for playing baseball and football during his high school years, and he was crowned King of the Court during football season in 1978. Growing up in the County also gave Marcus another advantage: He could navigate his way around the county, which was an asset for field collectors, occasionally using only a Thomas Guide. He was known to coworkers and field collectors as the “Human GPS” before technology was developed to give us personal computers, internet, cell phones, and GPS.
WHEREAS,
Marcus knew his stuff well and was a great resource of historical information about the Office and the various people who worked there over the years. To have endured under four different Treasurer-Tax Collectors is a testament of his loyalty and/or determination to stick to it to the end, no matter what the costs may have been. “Marcus consistently demonstrated a genuine concern for the community, the Treasurer-Tax Collector, and residents of the County.” - Dan Mierzwa, current Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
WHEREAS,
Marcus once shared with Russell “Rusty” Watts, retired CCC Treasurer-Tax Collector, that he would retire when he turns 65. “Now, with 40 years of devoted public service, it can be said of him, “well done [ ] good and faithful servant, . . . Enter [ ] into the joy of [retirement].” (Idea taken from Matthew 25:21). I’m excited for him and wish him the very best. He certainly deserves the best.”- Russell Watts
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors does hereby recognize and thank Marcus E. Wright, Tax Compliance Officer- Advanced, for his distinguished career and contributions working for the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector for 40 years. Marcus Wright, thank you for leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, knowledge, dedication, and exemplary public service.