The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC) Office has recognized Santee resident Judy Moerschell as its 2024 Volunteer of the Year.

Judy has officiated more than 100 weddings since February 2023, when she began volunteering at the ARCC Santee branch office. One of the weddings was for her grandson, who is currently stationed in Georgia with the U.S. Navy.

She retired in June 2019 after a 33-year career as a librarian with the Santee Elementary School District, having served at Carlton Hills Elementary and Rio Secco Elementary.

Judy was recently recognized by San Diego County ARCC Jordan Z. Marks at a San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“I’m a relatively shy person who would prefer to avoid public speaking,” said Judy, who has lived in Santee with her husband for 50 years since 1974. “When they asked me about performing weddings, I told them no, I can’t do that. But, then, I was thinking that you won’t know if you can’t do something unless you try it. So, I tried it, and now I simply love it. It’s an honor to be part of a joyous occasion, and it brings a lot of joy to me.”

Judy, who retired from the school district in June 2019, volunteers for four-hour shifts on Mondays and Fridays at the Santee branch office, 10144 Mission Gorge Road.

When she’s not saying, “Repeat after me,” she stays busy with paperwork and filing archives in the Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr. Reading Room, named after the former County Assessor. Dronenburg served from 2010 to 2022 as County Assessor, including nearly 40 years as an elected official serving in public office in San Diego County. The ARCC archives features official records dating back to the county’s formation in 1850.

“I love volunteering at the Assessor’s Office because the staff is so friendly,” Judy said. “Some people may not know a lot about our office, but nearly every county resident who owns property or rents is affected by what happens at the ARCC office. Plus, our office is responsible for the recording of all legal real estate documents, as well as registering business names and issuing marriage licenses, birth and death certificates.”

At the Board of Supervisors meeting, Marks said about Judy: “In her role as a volunteer performing marriage ceremonies, Judy demonstrates professionalism and care, ensuring that each ceremony is conducted with respect and attention to detail.

“Outside of her volunteer duties, Judy’s efforts to boost morale within the office are commendable. She often shares homemade desserts and holiday treats, fostering a sense of camaraderie among our team members and creating a positive workplace environment. Judy’s warm and friendly demeanor has made her a beloved member of our team. Her consistent positivity and willingness to help wherever needed contribute to a harmonious work atmosphere.

“Judy’s performance as a volunteer reflects the dedication, professionalism and interpersonal skills that we highly value in our department.”

The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC) Office, with more than 450 employees and five offices in San Diego County, oversees assessing the value of real estate and personal property, which in San Diego includes planes and boats. Property taxes constitute the largest share of revenue for the county. Since his November 2022 election to a four-year term, Marks has ushered in an award-winning, marriage appointment service and systems that provide record-high, property tax relief for veterans, homeowners, and seniors. He also has modernized systems leading to more online services and reducing paper waste. To contact the ARCC office, visit www.sdarcc.gov, or call 619-531-6130.