Changes to Douglas County Register of Deeds Office
On Friday, January 3, Douglas County’s long time Register of Deeds, Tracy Middleton, retired. At the time of her retirement, Tracy had close to 40 years of service. Tracy’s extensive career spanned several departments, including County Clerk, Finance, Child Support, District Attorney and Clerk of Courts.
Her tenure with Douglas County began in 1988, and she was first elected to Register of Deeds in 2017. Her knowledge and professionalism in the Register of Deeds Office, and in other areas of county operations, will be missed.
“Tracy’s retirement is a bittersweet moment for me, as she has been such an inspiration and an incredible mentor throughout my time working alongside her. She’s not only been a great leader, but also a teacher, sharing her vast knowledge and experience with me and everyone in the department. Tracy’s dedication to the office and the community has left a lasting impact, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone so skilled and knowledgeable,” said incoming Register of Deeds Darcie Burbul, when asked about Tracy’s retirement.
Darcie was elected on November 5, and took over for Tracy after her retirement. Darcie began working for Douglas County in the Register of Deeds Office in October 2021. Prior to starting with the county, Darcie worked as a florist, and as office staff for a funeral home. For this article, Darcie took some time to answer questions for readers of Positively Superior.
What inspired you to run for Douglas County Register of Deeds?
“My decision to run for Douglas County Register of Deeds is deeply personal and driven by both my passion for public service and my fascination with historical records and documents. I’ve always been intrigued by the stories and history captured in these records, and I love learning new things about the past through them. The role of Register of Deeds offers a unique opportunity to safeguard that history while ensuring that the office remains efficient and accessible for today’s residents.
The upcoming retirement of the current Register, who has served our county well, also played a significant role in my decision to run. I see this as a moment to bring fresh ideas and energy to the office while respecting its rich traditions. I’m honored to think that my name could one day be part of that legacy, contributing to the ongoing preservation of our county’s history and the seamless operation of an essential service.”
Do you have any short or long-term goals you’d like to share with readers?
I have both short-term and long-term goals that I’d like to share.
In the short term, one of my top priorities is to finish back-indexing approximately 450,000 historical documents. This project will significantly improve the accessibility and accuracy of records, ensuring that residents and businesses can easily access important information with confidence.
Another immediate goal is to stay at the forefront of modernization. As technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial that our office keeps up with advancements that can streamline processes and better serve the public.
Looking to the future, I’m particularly excited about launching a new Fraud Alert Notification system. This will give residents the ability to monitor and receive alerts if any unusual activity occurs with their recorded documents, helping to prevent identity theft and property fraud.
Additionally, the long-term vision includes the digitalization of vital records and indexes. By transitioning to a fully digital platform, we can improve not only the ease of access but also the preservation of these critical records for future generations.
When asked for final comments, Darcie thanked the community for the opportunity to serve.
” For the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in places where people come to mark some of the most significant moments in their lives – whether it’s the birth of a child, a marriage, the passing of a loved one or the excitement of purchasing a new home. These are deeply meaningful events, and being part of them in any way has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
I’m proud and thankful for the opportunity to serve the community in this capacity, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about this work. The Register of Deeds office plays a vital role in preserving those important milestones, and I’m excited to continue this work with dedication and care as I step into this new role.”
Melissa Pratt isa Human Resources Generalist for Douglas County.
