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Geary County register of deeds seeks and wins pay step after certification
Summary
The county—s elected register of deeds requested a pay-step increase tied to completion of a professional certification; commissioners agreed to the recommendation and budgeted a small, immediate cost for the remainder of the year.
The Geary County Commission on Tuesday accepted a recommendation to raise the county register of deeds— pay by one step after the official completed a voluntary Kansas register of deeds certification.
The request was made by the register of deeds, who said she recently completed the 36-hour Kansas Registered Deeds Association certification program and earned 38 continuing-education hours required for the credential. She told commissioners she did not expect an immediate answer but wanted a decision before presenting the office—s budget on June 9.
The register of deeds said the certification covered Kansas statutes, land-record management, document preservation and technology, and other topics specific to the office. She also described encountering two people earlier this year who identify as —sovereign citizens— and recorded nonstandard documents, noting the training helped staff handle those situations.
Crystal Malchow, Geary County HR director, told the commission she has drafted a policy to make voluntary certifications eligible for pay adjustments and that the policy would apply prospectively. Malchow and finance staff reviewed the register—s budget and said the county could absorb half a year of the step increase beginning with the first paycheck in July; they estimated the cost to the current fiscal year, including benefits, at about $1,270.
Commissioners moved to accept the recommendation from the consultant group (Arnold Group) that evaluated the certification and recommended a step increase. The motion was approved by voice vote.
Commissioners and HR emphasized the pay change is contingent on the official maintaining the certification; Malchow said ongoing continuing education (six hours per year was mentioned) would be required to keep the higher step. County staff also said a broader policy on certification-based pay for elected officials is being finalized so future requests are handled consistently.
The register of deeds asked for the change now so payroll and the department budget can be finalized for presentation on June 9; commissioners directed staff to implement the step increase beginning with the July payroll, subject to the policy and certification maintenance.
The commission did not take additional formal action during that discussion.
