The Portage County Judicial and General Government Committee voted June 23 to add 10 hours per week to a deputy Register of Deeds position, moving the post closer to full‑time to address workload and impending retirements.

The Register of Deeds told the committee the office is handling about 100 counter interactions, 100 phone calls and 100 emails daily, and that three of five staff members are approaching retirement; she said the additional hours are needed so a newly hired employee can be trained before experienced staff depart. The Register of Deeds said last year the cost to add the hours was $14,006.15 and that it is too early to estimate next year’s salary impacts precisely.

A committee member moved the change and another seconded it; the chair called the vote and members answered “aye.” The motion carried. The Register of Deeds said the increase must be submitted by Aug. 1 as part of budget paperwork.

The Register also reported an office remodel has temporarily relocated staff to the courthouse basement and that training for the new employee will likely take several months. No further committee action was taken.