Linn County recorder outlines modernization bill progress, passport surge and property‑fraud alert rollout

Carolyn, speaking for the recorder's office at the Linn County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 4, said staff are tracking two recorder modernization proposals that county contacts hope will be combined into a single bill and carried forward in the Legislature.

"Right now, the 2 proposals are being worked through as an amendment to hopefully, go down to 1 bill, and it will hopefully get passed," Carolyn said. She said she has discussed the proposals with local legislative staff and that the joint proposal was being refined.

Carolyn also reported a large increase in passport applications and passport photos at the recorder's office: "Passport ports were up again, 75% over last year at this time, and photos were up 72 this last month over the same time period last year." The recorder said staff have reorganized the office—moving passport processing and vital records counters—and begun cubicle remodels to improve customer flow. The office plans to keep the new counter configuration in place, she said.

On property fraud and title theft, the recorder said the office is working with the communications department and a software vendor to launch a formal property‑fraud alert program within the next month or two. "We're hoping to roll out our formal property fraud alert program next month," she said, adding that the vendor has provided templates used in other jurisdictions.

Board members thanked Carolyn and other staff for extra assistance to residents during the passport surge and noted interdepartmental support — planning, development and treasurer's staff have provided language and interpretation assistance when needed.

No formal action or vote was recorded on these items; they were presented as informational updates.