Archive: Around Town

Both Tompkins County Director of Assessment Jay Franklin and Assistant Director Irene Kehoe were recognized this month by their fellow assessment professionals in New York State.

Director Franklin is the recipient of the Harry Dunks Memorial Award, presented at the New York State Association of County Directors of Real Property Tax Services annual fall conference on October 16th. This award comes in recognition of outstanding dedication and integrity in promoting the organization to make it a strong and successful association. The award is not given annually, but is awarded only when and to whom it is appropriate. The recipient is recognized as being active in the association and serving as a mentor to fellow directors.

"This award is far from an individual award. It is a reflection on the quality of the team we have in the Department of Assessment, and it shows the great work that they do on a day-to-day basis for the benefit of the taxpayers of Tompkins County," says Director Franklin. "A lot of people came before me who have worked in this office to make this award even a possibility. It is truly an honor to be the Director of this office."

Assistant Director of Assessment Irene Kehoe was honored with the Susan U. Howarth Outstanding Staff Assistance Award at the New York State Assessors Association awards banquet October 1st. To qualify for this award, the recipient must be one who serves with diligence, integrity, and professional competence, and also to have won the appreciation of their peers.

Among comments that were made in nominating Assistant Director Kehoe: "In addition to being someone very reliable and knowledgeable to us in the office, she is also a great asset to the community. There is never a moment that she is not willing to help someone out or explain the assessment process. She always treats everyone with respect, no matter if they are being kind or difficult."

"It's easy to come to work every day when you enjoy what you do and really enjoy the people you do it with," Kehoe notes.

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