Jasper County Recorder announces her retirement effective Dec. 31

Jasper County Recorder Denise Allan is retiring at the end of the year after a decade in elected office and more than 35 years serving the county citizens.

She announced her retirement, effective Dec. 31, at the end of the county board of supervisors on Tuesday morning. At times Allan got emotional as she read from a letter explaining her decision. Allan said it was time for her to move into the next phase of her life, and she was grateful for the many years of service.

In addition to working at the Jasper County Recorder’s Office, Allan had also worked at the Jasper County Auditor’s Office. She spoke highly of her time working at both offices and the personal and professional growth she had achieved. She thanked Jasper County citizens for electing her for three terms.

“It was an honor,” Allan said. “Those who encouraged me to run for office know who they are and I thank them for their faith in me. I’m proud of my office and my accomplishments, which could not have come to fruition without my awesome staff: Pam Keenan, Michelle Hull and Tiffany Hodge.”

To each of them, Allan said thank you. She also extended thanks to the board of supervisors for their support over the years, especially when it came to digitizing all of Jasper County’s real estate records and providing public access to them. Allan said Jasper County was the first in the state to accomplish this.

Allan will miss the friendships she has made with co-workers in the Iowa County Recorder’s Association, stakeholders and residents of Jasper County.

She also publicly expressed her gratitude to former Jasper County Recorder Nancy Parrott, former budget director Carol Kielly and the late Sue Pickett for giving her opportunity and guidance and for sharing their knowledge with her. Allan said she has learned so much from each of them.

Jasper County Treasurer Doug Bishop commended Allan for the incredible things she has done to her office over the years. Supervisor Brandon Talsma thanked Allan for her years of service and wished her good luck with retirement and the next phase of her life.

Allan said, “I’ve loved just about every minute of it. There have been times it has been stressful but it’s been a great career for me. I’ll miss everything for sure.”

In 2023, Allan was sworn in for her third, four-year term. Since she will be retiring before her term ends, it is likely the county will appoint someone to fill the seat until the next countywide election. Otherwise there will have to be a special election. Citizens can force a special election by gathering enough signatures.