After 23 years in office, Commissioner of the Revenue Thomas Hazelwood has announced he’ll retire effective Oct. 1.

“Things are going rather smoothly here,” he said Monday. “It just seems like a good time to step aside.”

Hazelwood turned 65 Monday and said he’s planned to retire for some time. His wife retired about 14 months ago, and they hope to be able to spend more time with their grandchildren.

“We have a 2-year-old grandson who’s expecting a sister in a couple of months who live right around the corner from us,” he said.

Having come from a waterman’s family and done the work himself in the past, Hazelwood said he hopes to be on the water again soon.

“I do have a boat that needs some maintenance, and I have some property at home to take care of. I would like maybe to travel some.

“I have plenty to do. I don’t fear for not being busy.”

Hazelwood was appointed Oct. 1, 1991. His father, Sidney Hazelwood, had previously been the treasurer for the city.

“I guess we’ve become a household name in local government,” he said.

Hazelwood said his chief deputy will hold the commissioner’s position until a special election can be held. The Fifth Circuit Court judges will issue an order for the special election.

The commissioner’s office, Hazelwood said, “administers all the local taxes except real estate,” including personal property, meals and lodging, tobacco and business licenses.