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County recorder outlines ARPA‑funded effort to digitize ownership maps; interns to help convert 1,400 of 4,000 mylars
Summary
The county recorder said ARPA funds will pay six interns May–October to digitize and redraw ownership maps (city block/subdivision and PLS/PLSS maps); staff estimate about 1,400 of 4,000 maps remain and forecast completion timing contingent on market conditions and staff capacity.
The county recorder told the council the office is digitizing historically handwritten mylar ownership maps and replacing them with AutoCAD‑based digital maps that can be updated immediately when deeds and documents are recorded.
Recorder Sam (as identified in the meeting) said the project has ARPA funding for 2025–2026 to hire six interns from May through October to complete city blocks and subdivision maps; the office reported approximately 4,000 maps of which about 1,400 remain to be converted. Four full‑time mappers will handle Public Land Survey System (PLSS) or PLS maps; the recorder said those are more time‑consuming (an average of approximately 25 PLS maps per month because of research requirements, which can take one day to a week per map).
Sam said digitized maps allow quicker public access via the recorder’s app and remove manual scanning steps. Short‑term needs include office space and computer stations for three additional interns; IT and facilities staff were asked to assist. The recorder noted the completion date is optimistic — possibly 2029 — and depends on market conditions, interest rates, and staff time available for mapping work.
The recorder confirmed historical deed images already are digitized and available online; this effort focuses on map redraws to improve readability and rapid public access.
What’s next: staff will allocate ARPA funds to hire interns, finalize office space and IT support, and continue monthly production targets; the council was invited to visit the mapping operation to view the process.
