Above and Beyond: Register of Deeds fills in as Minutes Man for Auditor

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

Register of Deeds Brian Hunhoff went above and beyond his elected duties in 2013 to assist the Auditor’s office in a time of need. When the Auditor began emergency medical leave Feb. 1, the office’s workload was backed up, including overdue budget updates; overdue property tax levies; and commission meeting minutes not completed for two months. The Auditor’s absence was exacerbated by the impending retirement of the office’s chief deputy. The office operated below minimum staffing levels for most of 2013. Remaining Auditor staffers took on additional duties, but none had experience or inclination to serve as meeting recorder. A former journalist and county commissioner, Hunhoff had the institutional knowledge and writing ability to help in that area. He volunteered to serve as recorder until the office was caught up with other duties and fully staffed. A Yankton Press and Dakotan editorial stated, “Thumbs up to Register of Deeds Brian Hunhoff who is working to catch the county up on its legal notices. It was learned recently that Commission proceedings have not been sent to county newspapers since last fall, which is technically in violation of state law. With the Auditor out on medical leave, Hunhoff began the process of going through reports and videotapes to record the information. We salute his commitment in this situation.” Hunhoff devoted many evenings and weekends to his new task. County Commissioner Mark Johnson said, “I don’t know if you guys realize how many hours Brian puts in going through videotapes, interviewing department heads, finding notes, digging up every little thing he can to complete the minutes.” Commissioner Garry Moore said, “The accuracy of Brian’s minutes is amazing.” Commissioner Allen Sinclair added, “They’re the best minutes I’ve ever read.” Hunhoff eventually completed 12 months of meeting minutes without a single error.