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Register of Deeds reports $44 million in fourth‑quarter real estate sales; liens a growing concern
Summary
The register of deeds presented fourth‑quarter and preliminary annual numbers showing $44 million in real estate recorded during the quarter and $166 million for the year; lien activity and court‑appointed attorney liens were highlighted as increasing and contributing to a larger statewide lien total the office is tracking.
The Yankton County Register of Deeds reported a strong fourth quarter for real estate recordings and office revenue, but officials flagged growing lien activity tied largely to court‑appointed attorney liens.
Brian, Register of Deeds, told the Board of Commissioners the office recorded $15,000,000 in October, $13,000,000 in November and $16,000,000 in December for a quarterly total of $44,000,000. For the full year he said about $166,000,000 in real estate sold — the second‑highest annual total in county history.
Why it matters: Recordings and transfer fees generate county revenue; growing liens — particularly court‑ordered liens — can indicate criminal justice costs and produce little direct return to the county because many liened parties have no recoverable assets.
Quarterly and annual figures presented - Vital records and recordings: The office issued 256 birth certificates, 324 death certificates and 34 marriage licenses during the reporting period. The register said 272 deeds were recorded in the quarter; 85 new mortgages were taken out and 57 mortgage payoffs were recorded. - Liens and mortgage activity: Lien filings averaged about 33 per month in the quarter, producing just over $50,000 per month in lien‑related revenue. Brian said much of the lien volume was court‑appointed attorney liens; court‑appointed attorney liens accounted for approximately $114,000 of the $152,000 total liens he recorded that quarter. He cautioned that many lien holders do not have recoverable property, limiting likely repayments. - Revenue: The office collected $8,616 in copy revenue, $44,191 in transfer fees and $34,395 in regular fees for a quarter total of $87,382. The register said overall office revenue rose about 12% year‑over‑year.
Board action Commissioners moved and seconded approval of the Register of Deeds fourth‑quarter report; the board approved the report by voice vote.
