Mayor Tom Watson presented the City’s Cap Gardner City Employee of the Year Award at last Tuesday’s City Commission meeting, honoring Occupational Tax and ABC Administrator Dana Coomes with the 13th annual award.
Coomes was selected for the award by a committee comprised of a professional member of the community, a member of the Owensboro Neighborhood Alliance and a member of the Rotary Club
“This committee reviews nominations submitted for deserving employees by their peers or supervisors,” Watson said. “The committee had their work cut out for them this year as there were some amazing nominees.”
Along with the award, Coomes will have her name placed on a permanent memorial at Cap Gardner Park, located on J.R. Miller Boulevard.
An excerpt of Coomes’ nomination form described her as a person who genuinely cared about her job and responsibilities, as well as a person able to bring her whole team together, Watson said.
“She loves the job she does, and it shows,” he read. “She’s always punctual and is an exemplary role model. She pays great attention to detail, and she encourages and coaches her employees to do better themselves in her department at City Hall.”
Coomes was also commended for knowing all the ins and outs of occupational license fees and property tax collection processes.
“She’s not only knowledgeable about the City’s finances, occupational holding, tax accounting and tax law — she’s also very knowledgeable of Owensboro’s ordinances and management in general,” Watson said.
Coomes told commissioners she was honored to receive such a special award, and gave a special thanks to the person who nominated her.
“I want to thank my wonderful team in finance to help me receive this accomplishment,” she said. “I love my job and love all of my peers.”
