Rockwall County Clerk seeks return of property fraud alert program and personnel raises

In the heart of Rockwall County, Texas, a recent Commissioners Court Workshop Meeting revealed pressing concerns regarding property fraud and personnel challenges within the county's administrative framework. As the meeting unfolded, officials grappled with the implications of technology contracts and the need for competitive salaries to retain staff.

One of the key discussions centered around the county's property fraud alert system. A proposal was made to reinstate a contract with Fiddler Technologies after issues arose with the current system provided by Tyler Technologies, which requires users to log in with a password. This has posed difficulties for senior citizens and others uncomfortable with technology. The reimplementation of Fiddler's system would cost approximately $4,620 annually, alongside an additional $4,000 for the reimplementation process. Officials expressed a desire to ensure that all residents, regardless of their tech-savviness, could access fraud alerts.

The conversation then shifted to the rising issue of notary fraud, which has become increasingly prevalent. A new notary fraud alert system was proposed, aimed at notifying notaries when their seals are used, allowing them to verify or dispute unauthorized transactions. The cost for this program was estimated at $3,035,000 to launch, with an annual fee of $7,000 thereafter. While some officials supported the initiative, others questioned its necessity and the financial burden it could impose on the county.

As discussions progressed, the topic of personnel requests emerged, highlighting the county's struggle to retain employees amid rising living costs. The county clerk presented a bold proposal for salary increases, citing inflation rates and the need to remain competitive with neighboring municipalities. The request included significant raises for various positions, with some salaries proposed to increase by over 30%. The clerk emphasized the importance of addressing these financial challenges to reduce turnover, which has been notably high in recent years.

Commissioners acknowledged the need for competitive wages but expressed caution about the feasibility of such increases given the county's budget constraints. They recognized the importance of retaining skilled employees while balancing the financial responsibilities to taxpayers.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Rockwall County faces critical decisions ahead. The discussions on property fraud alerts and personnel salaries reflect broader challenges that many local governments encounter in an evolving economic landscape. The outcomes of these deliberations will shape the county's approach to safeguarding its residents and supporting its workforce in the months to come.