Recorder seeking position as McHenry County clerk

McHenry County Recorder Joe Tirio is running for county clerk next year with hopes of pushing forward his goal of merging the two offices.

When elected as recorder last year, Tirio, a Woodstock Republican, pledged to use his 4-year term to abolish the position and integrate its functions with the clerk's office. The consolidation would be completed by Dec. 1, 2020, if voters approve a binding referendum question on the March primary ballot.

If the proposal passes, and if he's elected as county clerk in 2018, Tirio said he would continue implementing a consolidation plan that allows the two offices to reduce spending, share technology and resources, improve communication and streamline staffing.

The recorder's office's responsibilities, which include maintaining and retrieving real estate records, documents and plat maps, would then be absorbed by the clerk's office, he said, and both staffs would operate under a single elected leader. The county clerk, who serves as the chief election authority, also maintains vital records, public filings and tax services.

"Both roles are so very important to our community," he said. "There are few things more important than the record of our property, taxes, elections, births and deaths. They maintain the true history and facts of our community."

For the past several months, Tirio said, the recorder's office has cut costs and introduced new programs in preparation for such a merger. He has also been working with incumbent County Clerk Mary McClellan and County Board Chairman Jack Franks to identify aspects of each office that could be combined.

McClellan, who has served as county clerk since 2014, is not seeking re-election and is opting to instead run for circuit court judge.

If Tirio is chosen as McClellan's successor, he would step down as recorder, and the county board would appoint his replacement to serve until the end of his term.