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Auditor reports staffing cuts, declining recording revenue and seeks $600,000 software upgrade
Summary
The auditor's office outlined FTE reductions since 2021, falling recording revenue for five consecutive years and a capital request of about $600,000 for a new recording/records system intended to add public alerts and reduce title-theft risk.
The county auditor's office told commissioners it has eliminated multiple positions since 2021 and is proposing further staffing reductions in the 2026 budget to meet targets. The office said five positions had been funded from a dedicated fund in previous years but that staffing paid from that fund has fallen to two reporting staff for 2026, stabilizing the fund balance.
Officials reported a fifth consecutive year of declining recording revenue tied to higher interest rates reducing refinancing activity, and said recording fees are not expected to rebound until interest rates ease. The office also said auto-licensing revenues could increase if the state changes registration fees, but the office cautioned that a state push to email and postcard reminders could reduce renewals and thus lower revenues.
The auditor presented a capital request for replacement of the recording software and related integrations with assessor and treasurer systems. The estimated project cost is about $600,000 with an estimated operating maintenance savings of roughly $20,000 per year. Among new features touted: email alerts for property filings to help detect title-theft, improved public-facing access and integration with assessor data. Officials said funding for elections equipment and other items is paid through surcharges charged to jurisdictions that use county election services.
No formal board action was requested at the meeting; officials said they will continue to work with the budget office to reconcile benefit loadings and finalize estimates.
