After graduating from CMSU, I married my high school sweetheart, Alan Mundey. I worked as a stenographer in downtown Kansas City for a couple of years before moving back to Butler.
When I returned to Butler I worked as a secretary for a local attorney, Ralph E. Smith. Working for Ralph helped prepare me for the Office of Recorder of Deeds. Ralph did a lot of real estate work and while I was preparing deeds I learned the difference between the deeds, the different wording needed for ownership, how to read legal descriptions, notary requirements, and how to chain title. I was also familiar with the recorder’s office because I would have to look up information for deed preparation.
The first accomplishment I did as recorder was to have the vault microfilmed at almost no cost to the county. I was able to pay for the microfilming by selling copies to local abstractors. Because the State only recognizes microfilm for record preservation, all records are still microfilmed. The original microfilm is stored in Jefferson City so Bates County will always have a backup of the recorder’s records in case of a disaster.
Prior to 1998, indexing was done by hand in large books. In 1998 I put the office into the 21st Century by having a computer system installed. Scanning was later added. All deeds are scanned and a “hard” copy is kept in the vault. All marriages, military discharges and tax liens are computerized. My office is currently back-indexing land records.
When I returned to Butler I worked as a secretary for a local attorney, Ralph E. Smith. Working for Ralph helped prepare me for the Office of Recorder of Deeds. Ralph did a lot of real estate work and while I was preparing deeds I learned the difference between the deeds, the different wording needed for ownership, how to read legal descriptions, notary requirements, and how to chain title. I was also familiar with the recorder’s office because I would have to look up information for deed preparation.
The first accomplishment I did as recorder was to have the vault microfilmed at almost no cost to the county. I was able to pay for the microfilming by selling copies to local abstractors. Because the State only recognizes microfilm for record preservation, all records are still microfilmed. The original microfilm is stored in Jefferson City so Bates County will always have a backup of the recorder’s records in case of a disaster.
Prior to 1998, indexing was done by hand in large books. In 1998 I put the office into the 21st Century by having a computer system installed. Scanning was later added. All deeds are scanned and a “hard” copy is kept in the vault. All marriages, military discharges and tax liens are computerized. My office is currently back-indexing land records.
Bates County records are backed up nightly on our server and also with our software company in Greeley, Colorado. I have a remote access service available at a fee for abstractors.
I also have an e-search site (https://esearch.cichosting.com) for the general public. Anyone can research for free at this site; but there is a cost to see the instrument and/or make copies which can be charged to credit card. In 2013 I started e-recording, which is electronic recording.
I am an active member of the Butler First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the Recorders Association of Missouri. Alan and I have one daughter Crissy Young, son-in-law Jon Young, and grandson Perrin (PJ) Young, all who live in Norman, OK.
I love working for Bates County as its Recorder of Deeds. I consider myself to be a dedicated public servant. I am looking forward and, at the same time, dreading the move to the Annex and getting the new office ready.
I am an active member of the Butler First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the Recorders Association of Missouri. Alan and I have one daughter Crissy Young, son-in-law Jon Young, and grandson Perrin (PJ) Young, all who live in Norman, OK.
I love working for Bates County as its Recorder of Deeds. I consider myself to be a dedicated public servant. I am looking forward and, at the same time, dreading the move to the Annex and getting the new office ready.
The Recorder’s Office has over 1,250 books of which over 200 of the older books are stored in a crowded, musty basement vault. It is a dream come true to have all these books stored in a temperature-controlled, waterproof, fireproof, and safe vault with room for storage of future books.
I am asking for Bates County’s support. In the November 6 election, please remember to “Vote Mundey on Tuesday.”
I am asking for Bates County’s support. In the November 6 election, please remember to “Vote Mundey on Tuesday.”
