Tanya Buckingham unveils Sedgwick County's land records management system with Fiddler Technologies

In a recent Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners meeting, the spotlight shone on the newly launched land record search program, presented by Tanya Buckingham, the Register of Deeds. The program, which went live on February 3, 2025, marks a significant upgrade from the county's previous in-house e-recording system, which had been in place for over 15 years.

Buckingham detailed the transition to a new records management system developed by Fiddler Technologies, emphasizing its enhanced capabilities. The new system promises improved search functions for public land records, advanced fraud prevention measures, and robust security protocols to safeguard public documents. A notable feature is the introduction of a property fraud alert service, which notifies residents via email, text, or phone call whenever a document is recorded in their name. This service aims to protect property owners from potential fraud, a concern that has been increasingly prevalent in real estate discussions.

However, the rollout of this new system has not been without controversy. Commissioner Michael Howe raised concerns about the cost implications for residents. Under the new system, users will incur a fee of $8.75 for each search query, a shift from the previously free access provided by the county's in-house system. While Buckingham assured that residents could still access records for free by visiting the office in person, the new fees have sparked debate about accessibility and affordability for those who rely on these services frequently.

The meeting also highlighted additional programs aimed at supporting veterans and military personnel. The county offers a military discount program that provides photo ID cards for local business discounts and encourages veterans to file their military discharge papers for safekeeping, along with offering five free certified copies.

As Sedgwick County moves forward with this technological upgrade, the balance between enhanced security and accessibility remains a critical topic of discussion among commissioners and residents alike. The commitment to modernizing services while ensuring they remain user-friendly will be essential as the county navigates this new chapter in public record management.