Beyond the Desk is a publication of Genesee County’s Department of Human Resources and Labor Relations and our incredible HR Representatives, Jasmine Barksdale and Cindy Pendergrass.
At the Genesee County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office, public service goes far beyond paperwork. Serving hundreds of visitors each week, this team plays a vital role in daily life across Genesee County through three major divisions: Vital Records, Register of Deeds, and Election Administration. Together, they help residents access essential documents, protect important records, and support the democratic process with a strong focus on service, compassion, and accessibility.
Vital Records is the busiest area of the department, handling services that many residents rely on during important moments in life. The division manages birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, concealed pistol licenses, DBA filings, and notary registrations. While many services can be started online, the office continues to provide in-person assistance to make sure residents can get the help they need in the way that works best for them.
The Register of Deeds Division is another key part of the office’s work, helping maintain accurate and accessible property records for the community. Residents, businesses, and legal professionals rely on this division for property record searches, deed and mortgage filings, court orders, and lien filings. Thanks to improved technology, about 75 percent of these filings are now completed virtually, helping make the process more efficient while preserving accuracy and security.
Election Administration is equally important, overseeing candidate filings, campaign finance reporting, ballot preparation, election night reporting, and post-election audits. The division also supports local clerks, certifies election results, and helps ensure elections are secure, fair, accurate, and transparent. This work is essential to maintaining public trust and keeping residents informed.
What stands out most about the Clerk/Register of Deeds Office is its culture of what the team describes as “customer amazement.” That commitment is reflected in efforts to reduce barriers for residents and meet people where they are. Through birth certificate drives, the office provided 2,500 birth certificates at no cost to community members experiencing financial hardship. The office also offers free records through the Legal Resource Center and has expanded accessibility by implementing Spanish and sign language courses for staff.
That service-first approach is making an impact. According to the document, 2025 became the department’s highest revenue year to date, showing that investing in public trust and resident support can strengthen both service and performance. The department has also introduced quarterly professional development days so staff can continue learning, improving, and adapting to the needs of the community.
The Clerk/Register of Deeds Office handles some of the most important records and responsibilities in county government, but its mission is about more than documents and filings. It is about helping residents navigate systems that can often feel overwhelming and creating a more welcoming, responsive experience at every step. As this latest “Beyond the Desk” feature makes clear, the team is reshaping what public service looks like in Genesee County: more accessible, more compassionate, and more focused on the people it serves.
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