By Sara StrongUnless there’s a reverse referendum, the County Recorder Position will be appointed instead of elected. It’s been in the process for a long time at the county, but after a public hearing Tuesday, it became final.Recorder Jere Ohme was on hand to answer public questions at the hearing, which included three opposed to the change, and support from two.Those objecting to the change from elected to appointed have said that the public is losing control over government with each official they don’t get to elect.County Board members said they’ve heard favorable comments for the change to appointed.Commissioner Bakken said, "At first I was opposed, but I think it’s something that needs to be done."Commissioner Ron Boyenga said that office efficiencies and the security in knowing a qualified person will be in the job are important. But he also said the county could save money on salary for a recorder. As an elected position, the recorder earns what a department head would. Because of the mostly clerical nature of the work, if it is appointed, the job will be paid according to actual job duties.Ohme has never been opposed when he’s filed for re-election. That isn’t the case in many counties. Other counties have had problems when people are voted out of office, or retire from elected positions. They often don’t train their replacements. Ohme said that would mean continued good service in the office wouldn’t be assured in the future.Ohme said, "Most people don’t know what we do."Recorders direct the recording of all deeds, mortgages and other legal documents involved in the registration of land to meet statutory requirements. They review deeds and other documents for accuracy and completeness and advise the public on procedures for recording deeds and mortgages and related documents.Recorders assist the public and legal professionals in searches for recorded information about specific property and titles. Ohme said that especially during the summer, genealogy research is popular in the vault of records.Ohme said that by changing the position to appointed, the Board isn’t doing the public a disservice or taking away someone who makes decisions. He said, "What we do is right out of the statute books."
