OCT 2026 Scott County Recorder Property Fraud Alert Webpage Screenshot
According to the Scott County, Iowa Recorder's Office's web page, "The Recorder's Office was created by the First Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Iowa in 1839."
The incumbent Recorder, Rita Vargas has served since 2002, and last fiscal year was paid $102,313 plus benefits. Vargas is not running for re-election and there are two candidates for a single seat that has a four-year term, Tony Paone and Michael Wulf. Responses are in alphabetical order by family name.
1) Keep No Appointment Necessary?
If elected Recorder, will you commit to leaving the public service desk and window “open” available to walk-up customers, and not implement an “appointment only” system like the county treasurer did years ago? If “no,” please explain why and what you intend to do different than current operations.
Tony Paone: Yes. The "open window" practice is a very customer-oriented practice set up by current Scott County Recorder Rita Vargas and I plan on continuing that practice as Scott County Recorder.
Michael Wulf: Yes! If elected Recorder, I will commit to leaving the public service desk and window “open” and available to walk-up customers. I do not believe it is in the best interest of Scott County residents, or in the best interest of our world class recorder's office staff, to implement an “appointment only” system. Access and availability are a critical part of excellent customer service.
2) Complimentary Anti-Fraud Service
What is your view of the current county recorder's office's complimentary anti-fraud service? Do you recommend it for homeowners in Scott County and if you plan on modifying it as recorder, how and why?
Tony Paone: This anti-fraud service is a very useful and helpful service provided by the Recorder's office. Not only do I plan on continuing it for Scott County homeowners but it could and should be expanded to other counties in the state of Iowa (through their Recorder's office).
Michael Wulf: I strongly recommend Scott County’s complimentary Property Fraud Alert service and encourage all property owners to enroll. I would continue the service as Recorder, but I believe we can do more to increase public awareness. Scott County has approximately 75,000 properties, yet only about 6,000 property owners are currently enrolled.
In fact, the question I am asked most often when talking with residents is, “What does the Recorder’s Office do?” That tells me we have an opportunity not only to promote Property Fraud Alert, but also better communicate the services the Recorder’s Office provides.
My focus is simple: continue the services that work well, support the world class staff who provide those services, and make sure Scott County residents know what services are available and how to access them. That is an important part of excellent customer service.
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