Board Appoints Amber Houghtaling to Fill Upcoming Sarpy County Clerk and Register of Deeds Vacancy
Board Appoints Amber Houghtaling to Fill Upcoming Sarpy County Clerk and Register of Deeds Vacancy
Amber Houghtaling will serve as the Sarpy County Clerk and Register of Deeds in 2026.
The Sarpy County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted 5-0 to appoint Houghtaling to the position in January, following the retirement of Deb Houghtaling, who currently oversees both offices.
The offices are responsible for maintaining the record of county government proceedings and other public business, managing documents that affect property ownership; and facilitating applications for marriage licenses, passports and handicap permits; among other things.
Deb Houghtaling will have served Sarpy County for 50 years in January, including nearly four decades as an elected official. During her tenure, she automated processes and cross-trained staff to more efficiently serve the public, and established the office as a passport application site, which generates revenue for the county. She has been honored with several awards in recognition of her public service, including the Nebraska County Official of the Year in 2011 and the 2003 Outstanding Public Official from the Sarpy County Chamber.
“Deb modernized her office to serve Sarpy taxpayers effectively and efficiently, and we know our community is grateful for her longstanding dedication,” said Sarpy County Board Chair David Klug. “We’re confident Amber will continue that tradition of exceptional service that puts people first and respects taxpayer dollars.”
Deb Houghtaling announced she will retire effective Jan. 19, 2026, creating a vacancy in the public office. Vacancies are filled by the county board.
When Amber Houghtaling moves into the role in January, she will serve the remainder of the term, through 2026. Houghtaling, of Bellevue, has worked for Sarpy County for more than 20 years and is currently the office’s chief deputy. She helped launch a passport appointment system, streamlined vendor management, transitioned to cashless payment to improve balancing accuracy and reduce risk, and is implementing a land management system that boosts fraud protection.
“My goal is to continue to be responsive and reliable, but most importantly focused on serving the citizens,” Amber Houghtaling said.
