YOUNGSTOWN — Richard Scarsella, who was elected Mahoning County recorder Nov. 5, said Thursday he is retaining county Recorder Noralynn Palermo as his chief deputy recorder.

Palermo has worked at the recorder’s office for 50 years.

“When you have someone like that who has been there that long, why would you not use her experience? They’re irreplaceable,” Scarsella said.

Scarsella was appointed interim county recorder from Jan. 1 to 6, when his elected term begins, on Thursday by Mahoning County commissioners. Palermo is retiring effective Jan. 1 and being rehired as deputy recorder.