Recorder of Deeds Deborah Engemann, who for more than two decades has been the primary caretaker of Warren County’s property records, has announced that she doesn’t intend to run for re-election this year.

“I’m proud to have served the citizens of Warren County for the past 24 years, and I appreciate their faith and support of me,” Engemann told The Record. “I have enjoyed my time in county government, and look forward to spending more time with family and friends.”

The recorder of deeds oversees the Warren County office that maintains all records of land ownership, subdivision plats, deeds and liens for land within the county. The recorder is also the custodian of all local marriage licenses and military discharge records.

Engemann has held her office since it was elevated to an elected position in 2010, after which Engemann was elected to three consecutive terms.

Even before the recorder’s post was listed on voter ballots, Engemann was fulfilling the same duties as part of the circuit court clerk’s office. She began her work with the county in 1999, after more than 20 years working in the land titling industry.

Engemann said she decided not to seek a fourth term in office because she’s approaching an age where she’d like to enjoy retirement and spend time with her family.

“I’ve worked 50 years of my life, and I think it’s time for retirement,” Engemann said. “I’ve got two grandkids, and the youngest will be two in May. I’d like to spend time with them and my family. I enjoy camping and fishing, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Engemann said she first decided to go to work at the courthouse, and later stepped up to the elected office, because her career path had shown her a useful service that she could provide.

“It was just something I felt like I could do and serve the public,” she commented. “I enjoy helping people when they come in trying to find their deeds or look for stuff. I enjoy working with the public. I always have.

“And I enjoy doing marriage licenses a lot. Meeting all these young couples and talking with them when they’re so enthusiastic about getting married,” she added.

For Engemann, working in real estate titling and recording has been a lifelong career. Her first full-time job was at Guardian Title in 1977. Over the years she’s worked, Engemann said the biggest change in the industry was the introduction of computers and digital record keeping. Prior to the late 80s and early 90s, every document either needed to be photo copied or retyped, and then retained as physical records that would have to be indexed and searched through whenever someone needed them.

Now that Engemann is leaving at the end of this year, her office will be open to a new elected official to succeed her. Candidate registration is currently underway at the Warren County Administration Building.

Engemann said her advice for her successor is all about being good with people.

“Treat the public with courtesy. Wait on them as soon as they come in and help them as much as you can. You will have to know where to draw the line on that, but if you treat the public well, then they will treat you well.”