19 January 2023- On September 30, 2022, the former Register & Recorder Linda Miller retired after 35 years of service to Franklin County. In her resignation letter to the Franklin County Commissioners she stated, “As I prepare for my departure, I would like you to consider appointing Joy Heinbaugh, my chief deputy, as interim acting Register and Recorder. Joy has been employed by the Register and Recorder’s Office for 17 years. She has been proactive in learning every aspect of the position and she can manage the operations of the office. Joy is respected by the office staff, colleagues, attorneys and the public.”
In order to provide a seamless transition of power, the Franklin County Commissioners appointed me as the Interim Register & Recorder effective October 1st and until such time as the Governor makes an official appointment to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
The Recorder of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining approximately 19,000 land record documents per year including deeds, mortgages, etc. while the Register of Wills is responsible for the administration of approximately 800 probate estates per year. The office is also a collection agency for the Department of Revenue for State Realty Transfer Taxes and Inheritance Taxes. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2022, over 30 million dollars was collected by our office.
In my role as Interim Register and Recorder, I am fully knowledgeable of all aspects of the office and have a proven track record in overseeing the daily operations of the office. Prior to coming to the Register & Recorder’s Office, I also worked in the Voter Registration Office and the Treasurer’s Office for several years.
I am a Franklin County native and a graduate of Waynesboro Area Senior High School where I was a member of the National Honor Society. I currently reside in the Waynesboro area with my husband. We are the proud parents of three adult sons and two daughter in laws.
I love my job and ask the Republican voters of Franklin County to “Choose JOY” for Register and Recorder on the May 16, 2023 Municipal Primary ballot. If elected, I promise I will continue to provide decisive leadership, competence and superb customer service to the residents of our county while committing to work in a full time capacity.
