Login | February 02, 2025
Mahoning County Recorder Noralynn Palermo discusses re-election bid
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: October 10, 2024
During her more than 15-year tenure as Mahoning County Recorder, Noralynn Palermo has been working to upgrade the technology and services to provide easier access to records for residents, the auditor’s office, court officials, banks and others.
But Palermo said there’s still a lot more to be done. That’s why she is running for another term in November.
“I love my job,” said Palermo. “I enjoy interacting with the customers and assisting them with their requests.
“We have been working to make our records accessible online,” she said. “Three years ago, we began offering e-recording for mortgages. The goal now is to offer e-recording for deeds and other instruments.
“I’m not ready to retire and I’m hoping voters will continue to give me the opportunity to serve.”
Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meacham has been working with Palermo for the past nine years.
“Noralynn knows the office and its functions intricately,” said Meacham. “She has been doing a wonderful job.
“Professionally speaking, the auditor’s office and the recorder’s office work very well together and have great communications.
“On a personal level she and I are friendly and have a warm relationship,” Meacham said. “I think it’s important that you like the people you work with.”
Mahoning County Clerk of Courts Daniel Dascenzo echoed similar sentiments.
“I’ve known Noralynn professionally for years,” said Dascenzo. “I see her here at work in the courthouse every day. She’s a good person, someone who genuinely cares about doing her job the right way.
“She knows her business and runs an efficient and effective recorder’s office,” said Dascenzo. “She’s brought on many knowledgeable and hard-working staff members over the years who, much like herself, have shown a real commitment to serving the people of Mahoning County.”
A native of Youngstown, Palermo graduated from Ursuline High School.
She started as a deputy recorder in 1974.
She was first elected by Democratic precinct committee members in 2007 to replace former recorder Ron Gerberry after he stepped down to fill the remainder of state representative Kenneth Carano’s term in the 59th House District.
She ran for election the following year and is now completing her fourth full term in office, which ends on Jan. 1, 2025.
The recorder’s office is the official land records office for all county real estate.
“We record all instruments that have to do with real estate and then they become public records,” she said. “We also record veterans’ discharge papers (DD214s), but those are not public.”
The office contains records dating back to the early 1800s, which the public can view in person Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, people can search for records online dating back to January 1985, but they can only view the indexes.
“Residents can trace the history of their homes, which sometimes go back over 100 years,” said Palermo. “If someone stops by I try to guide them in the right direction.”
As Mahoning County Recorder, Palermo oversees all operations and the daily functions of the office and supervises a staff of six.
“I pay all the bills, create our budget, negotiate union contracts for employees, wait on the customers, answer the phones, anything that needs to be done,” she said.
“I’m very proud of the fact that we now offer e-recording for mortgages, which makes things very convenient for out-of-town banks,” she said. “We also provide free property fraud alerts for homeowners who want them. All they have to do is call the office or register online.”
In addition, Mahoning County veterans can get free document ID cards.
“To do so, they have to have their DD214 recorded and then we take their picture and issue them a card,” said Palermo. “There are a lot of businesses around that offer veterans discounts, but they need proof that they served and that card is their proof.”
Palermo said one of her main goals right now is to scan all the office’s instruments dating back to 1980.
“This is a big undertaking,” said Palmero. “Currently, residents can only look at the indexes online. Soon residents will be able to bring up the actual documents.”
Palermo, who continues to live in Youngstown with her husband and has two adult children, said she cares deeply about the citizens who reside in the county.
“I believe I am the best person to carry out the responsibilities of county recorder,” said Palermo. “I hope voters will agree with me.”