This post first appered on our legacy site vcnow.org.

A citizen of Currituck County contacted us concerned that Denise Hall, Register of Deeds, was not physically working in her county office. The allegation was that Hall was an absentee government official who rarely worked showed up at work. This isn’t a new allegation and has been played out on the Moyck Facebook page ad nauseam. The individual making the complaint admitted the office was running smoothly, and there were “no complaints.” 

Several points should to be made: First, Hall is an elected official. Her boss’ are the citizens of Currituck County. Second, the Board of Commissioners has never enacted NCGS § 161-8, requiring specific office hours.

The board of county commissioners may fix by order, to be entered on their records, what days of each week, and at what hours of each day, the register of deeds shall attend at his office in person or by deputy, and he shall give his attendance accordingly.” (1868, c. 35, s. 6; Code, s. 3651; Rev., s. 2654; C.S., s. 3549.)

NCGS § 161-8

We contacted the County Manager, Ike McRee, confirming the county has never sought to enact the statute. Next, we reached out to Hall, who provided the following statement:

I have updated all systems, digitized all records, and made them available online. I reduced the need for handling historical documents, which have all been preserved since I have been in office, which is a significant undertaking.

Every audit of the office has been correct down to the penny.

I will make all of the public comments available by users of the office to anyone who wishes to see them. I am also willing to meet and speak to anyone with any concerns and explain how the office works.

My job also requires attending various meetings and training to keep apprised of statute changes. I have served in multiple positions on district and state associations during business hours.

My office meets all the requirements according to the statute. I have reduced staff and budget during my tenure in the office, resulting in significant savings for the citizens of this county.

Denise Hall, Currituck County Register of Deeds

The bottom line: We found nothing to support this complaint. This report took months, researching the issue and talking to stakeholders. Blackwater Reports does not endorse candidates for public office.