Tomball names Duane Huggard 2024 Employee of the Year

The Tomball City Council honored Duane Huggard as the city’s 2024 Employee of the Year, praising his long service in the utilities department and his role managing the city’s natural gas distribution and regulatory reporting.

The award was presented during the council meeting when a staff member told the council and public, “it is my honor and pleasure to introduce to you our employee of the year for 2024, Duane Huggard.” Council members and staff said employees selected Huggard by an overwhelming margin in an internal vote.

City staff described Huggard’s responsibilities as including oversight of the city’s natural gas distribution system and managing regulatory reporting and compliance. The presenter cited the city’s high scores with its insurance and risk pool programs — referencing TMRS/TML risk pool compliance ratings near the high 90s — and said Huggard’s work contributes to the city’s documentation, training, and reporting processes. Staff also noted Huggard’s interactions with the Railroad Commission when reporting gas-related issues.

Duane Huggard was introduced to applause and brief remarks from colleagues. The council did not take formal action beyond the recognition.

The recognition comes amid routine council business; the meeting included announcements of upcoming community events and the consent agenda vote later in the session.