Occupation/Current Position
Fiscal Officer in the St Joseph County Recorders Office
Education
Associate Degree in Computer Science
Campaign Phone
574-274-2051
Candidate video
The Recorder is in charge of land records, mortgages ( 1st , 2nd and lines of credit) and deeds. We are also the repository for many other types of documents.
The most important responsibility is ensuring that all documents are recorded in a timely, accurate fashion. Residents use the Recorders office when they want a copy of any documents recorded in our office, deeds to their property, Veterans getting copies of their discharge papers. The public also can file the above listed documents in our office.
The public can utilize our services to record documents by coming into the office in person, using Landrecords.net to search for and print out documents remotely , documents can be mailed in for recording or connecting with a company that utilizes electronic filing with the Recorders office.
I have worked in the Recorders office since December 2016. I have learned every aspect of the office- processing, indexing, posting and auditing documents. I also handle all the financial records- balancing the bank bags, doing the deposits, reconciling month end. I have had yearly advanced training on the office software, attended yearly Recorder Conferences. Prior to working for the County I spent 15 years working for a local owned retail company in the financial department and worked the retail area as needed and before that 10 years at Valley American Bank. I have always been customer service oriented. While employed at Valley American Bank I received many awards for my customer service skills. I have the training and ability to deal with any situation.
I would like the ability to do more Public Service Announcements. Currently we have no way to share our information other than on the County website. This year we were able to form a partnership with the Treasurers office to include a handout explaining our Property Fraud alert program which is free to the public.
Currently the Recorders office is using state of the art software that has built in “inspect”. Inspect scans the document and finds names, addresses, parcel numbers and other information that is required to record a document and copies over the information to the indexing area after the data has been verified as correct. The same company also provides a service where our data is stored offsite on 3 different servers in 3 different areas of the country. In the event one server detects that a hack is being attempted it automatically reroutes where the information is sent and stored, it all happens in the background and we have no disruption in service. In the event of a natural disaster or the office is unusable for any period of time the Recorders office has the ability to run all tasks remotely as soon as internet service is available.
My biggest challenge will be protecting the Recorders Perpetuation fund. The fund was set up by the State and the state is very specific on what the money can be used for. The Perpetuation fund can only be used to preserve and maintain records in the Recorders office. The fund covers such things as updating computers, repairing books, updating the plat machine, scanning in the old mortgage and deed books to make them available digitally. The fund cannot be transferred to the County General fund or used for salaries for an employee who has duties outside recording and maintaining records, nor can the fund be used to waive fees on documents or copies. I will not allow the money to be transferred outside the State approved uses. The Recorder must agree to and sign off on any money used from the Perpetuation fund.
Occupation/Current Position
Owner of Eye Candy Apparel
Education
Some College
Campaign Phone
574-210-4419
Candidate video
The responsibilities of a county recorder include maintaining and preserving public land records, such as deeds and mortgages, ensuring accuracy in document filing, and facilitating public access to these records. While all responsibilities are crucial, the accuracy of document filing stands out as particularly vital, as it underpins the integrity of property transactions and legal processes. The recorder's office further plays an essential role in enforcing state laws related to land records, collecting fees for document services, and performing essential accounting functions. St. Joseph County residents can utilize the recorder's services by accessing public records for property research, title verification, or historical documentation. They can visit the recorder's office in person or utilize online platforms.
My experience as a business owner has equipped me with a robust set of skills and qualifications that align seamlessly with the responsibilities of a county recorder. Recognizing the significance of meticulous document management in running a successful business, I bring a wealth of expertise in organizational efficiency, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining accurate records. My experience as a business owner has instilled in me a valuable skill set encompassing organizational efficiency, technological adeptness, financial acumen, effective communication, adaptability, ethical leadership, and community engagement. These qualities, uniquely qualify me to serve as the county recorder, where I am committed to leveraging my expertise for the benefit of St. Joseph County and its residents.
I aim to make a specific adjustment in the county recorder's office to strengthen protections against title fraud, particularly focusing on safeguarding our citizens, especially the elderly, from the illegal seizure of their properties. This adjustment involves enhancing the current record-keeping system by implementing advanced security measures. By utilizing modern and secure technologies, we can establish an additional layer of protection, ensuring the integrity of property titles and minimizing the risk of fraudulent activities. This proactive approach aligns with the commitment to prioritize the security and well-being of our community members, especially those who may be more vulnerable to such fraudulent practices.
Technology can enhance the accuracy of document filing by implementing electronic filing systems, automated validation processes, and secure cloud storage. These measures not only ensure precision but also contribute to document security and accessibility through encryption, access controls, and efficient retrieval mechanisms.
Anticipated challenges for a new county recorder may include adapting to existing systems and managing a diverse range of documents. Overcoming these challenges requires a thorough orientation to understand current processes, implementing effective training programs for staff to ease transitions, and fostering open communication to address concerns. Additionally, establishing collaborative relationships with relevant partners, such as legal professionals and community members, will be crucial in navigating complexities and ensuring a smooth transition. Proactive engagement with the community, coupled with a commitment to transparent and inclusive leadership, will help build trust and facilitate a successful time in office as county recorder.
Occupation/Current Position
Plat Room Supervisor/St. Joseph County Auditors Office
Education
Associates Degree
Campaign Phone
574-276-5793
Candidate video
The County Recorder is responsible for maintaining permanent public records of legal instruments involving real estate, deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, plats, military discharges, personal bonds among other documents. All of these instruments are recorded for giving legal notice of their existence, safekeeping and future reference. The recorder of deeds provides a single location in which records of real property rights are recorded and may be researched by interested parties
I would say the most important aspect of the Recorders Office is to preserve the documents recorded in the past and present, for the perpetuity of these records.
St Joseph County residents utilize this office to manage legal documents such as deeds. They may need a deed to sell a house, determine parcel lines or solve an ownership problem.
For the last 25 years I have been in management positions in industries such as Marketing, Hospitality and County Government. I have run departments with multiple employees as well as my own freelance graphic design business. I have also engaged with my community through volunteer opportunities such as Ronald McDonald House.
Currently I work for the St Joseph County Auditor. I played an integral part in redesigning the Auditor’s web page to bolster customer service. Property deduction forms were added for easy online submission, as well as making historic records accessible that were once locked away in County vaults. I also reduced Plat room staff by introducing digital tools and utilizing a viral workspace, saving money. I use the Recorder’s data daily. I understand it very well, and how it’s routed through various offices.
Customer service for sure! I would like to create a Virtual Recorder’s Counter, expanding user-friendly services online, like searching for documents. You will be met with helpful employees both virtual and in person to make the experience smooth and stress-free.
This would be accomplished by using the Recorder’s perpetuation fund (IC 36-2-7-10(f)), costing the taxpayers nothing. It would tie in services with other County offices online for a seamless taxpayer experience. I would introduce credit/debit card payments, while partnering with other departments that already have that capability. This would help keep costs down and save taxpayers money! All geared towards great customer service!
Technology is an ever-changing thing. I would explore OCR (optical character recognition) capabilities. The intention being, once the document has been scanned and approved, it would be indexed electronically. This process would cut down on human error.
I would continue to rely on St Joseph County’s IT department to ensure the security of all our files.
Change is difficult for people. It won’t happen overnight. I will make sure all staff is up-to-date on all training needed and wanted and encourage continuing education in this field. State codes are iron-clad, following them is key. With the experience and professionalism of the current staff, I’m confident we will reach our goal of great customer service while following all codes.
