Health department debuts bilingual how-to videos for birth certificates; staff discuss fee changes and payment options

Vigo County Health Department staff showed two instructional videos, in English and Spanish, explaining how to request certified birth certificates and advertised on-site procedures at the annex building. The videos state that a certified copy costs $10 for in-person requests and outline required ID and payment methods. Joanie and department staff said the office currently processes payment by cash, money order or cashier's check and that credit-card processing was previously tried but discontinued because the costs did not justify the service. Loretta, who oversees vital records, said staff would like to restore an ATM in the building to make cash accessible for customers and that they have asked county commissioners about the possibility. Loretta said the county is examining changes to birth and death certificate fees and hopes to have a proposal at the next board meeting for possible implementation in January 2026. The county last increased vital-record fees in 2014 from $6 to $10, she said. The videos, produced by Lily Yeagley with videography help from Greta Paff and editing assistance from Anne Paff, show the public where to go in the annex building, that customers should ask for a "certified copy" and that staff will make a photocopy of valid photo ID and process the request while the customer waits. The videos direct viewers to the department website for mail requests. Why it matters: Clear, bilingual instructional materials can reduce administrative friction for residents obtaining vital records. The department's decision not to accept credit cards increases reliance on cash and checks and raises access questions for customers without nearby ATMs. Staff said they will bring a proposed fee schedule to the board when recommendations are ready and will continue exploring payment options and ATM availability with county leadership.