Marty DuVall brings humor and enthusiasm to her job.

“I joke about being the 4-1-1 operator for the city and county because our office number seems to be the one callers find first,” said DuVall, who is an administrative assistant for the departments of Public Works and Parks/Recreation.

DuVall has been on the job for six years.

“My job is best described as an office manager,” said DuVall, who is married to Bastrop Library director Mickey DuVall. “Whatever needs doing, I try to get it done.” DuVall also handles park pavilion rentals and special event applications.

DuVall has a quick response when asked what she likes best about her job.

“The best part of my job is being with my co-workers–the guys and custodial ladies,” said DuVall.  “They are good people who work hard for the money and do not always get the appreciation they deserve.”

To help that situation along, DuVall said she bakes each colleague a birthday cake when the day comes. “And they have to share with the rest of us,” she added.

Like any job, there are challenges.

“The most challenging part of this job is dealing with the public,” DuVall said. Most folks are really nice and understand that there are limits to what the city employees can do for them.”

But when the inevitable sour person arrives, either in person or by phone, DuVall is prepared.

“I glance at this little blurb my friend in the Utility Department shared with me and I have pinned over my desk. It reads, ‘Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle,’” DuVall said.

DuVall loves the Bastrop area.

“I live in Riverside Grove, so it takes me about 10 minutes to get to work and back home again, which I love after commuting for five years to Austin,” DuVall said. “I feel safe here in Bastrop.  It’s not too crowded or too busy. My family is here–my husband Mickey, my son Andy, five sisters, their kids and my mom.  We’re a very close-knit family.”

But Bastrop could use a few more things, DuVall said.

“The only changes I would like to see would be more retail stores here, other kinds of restaurants and to have folks drive their automobiles with respect and consideration for the other drivers,” DuVall said.

After a hard day at work, DuVall enjoys several activities.

“I really love gardening,” DuVall said. “Pulling weeds is a real stress buster for me. I also enjoy reading. I have three cats, which explains the cat figurines around the office and the nickname ‘Cat woman” that my co-workers have dubbed me.”