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Wayne County hears first reading on Register of Deeds fee increase; commissioners raise deed‑fraud and outreach concerns
Summary
The commission approved first reading and referral of an ordinance to raise certain recording fees in the Register of Deeds office, and commissioners discussed deed fraud, outreach to property owners and a Register of Deeds offer to help residents flag property records.
The Wayne County Commission took the ordinance for first reading to amend Chapter 129 (fees ordinance) to allow the Register of Deeds to increase certain recording and document‑entry fees. The ordinance was moved by Commissioner Kinloch and supported by Commissioner Peterson Mayberry; the measure was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for additional review.
Commissioners said the fee change was requested during the county’s budget process to provide statutory authority for the Register of Deeds to raise fees. The chair noted the ordinance will return after Ways and Means consideration. No roll‑call tally was provided on first reading; the motion carried to refer.
Several commissioners raised wider concerns about deed fraud and ongoing outreach. Commissioner Peterson Mayberry and Commissioner Anderson said deed‑fraud incidents are increasing and urged public education and coordination with the Register of Deeds, sheriff’s office and prosecutor to resolve backlog and protect homeowners. Commissioner Kenlock asked the administration for a prompt report on the staffing or process issues that allowed displaced workers and residents to be harmed. The Register of Deeds offered to demonstrate its property‑flagging/protection service to commissioners and the public.
Why it matters: Amending the county fee schedule enables the Register of Deeds to adjust recording fees, which affects recording revenue and costs for residents. Commissioners also highlighted an increase in deed‑fraud reports and encouraged public outreach and enforcement coordination.
Next steps: The ordinance was sent to the Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration. Commissioners asked the administration to convene stakeholders and to publicize the Register of Deeds’ property‑flagging tool and other consumer protections.
Speakers on the item included Commissioner Kinloch (mover), Commissioner Peterson Mayberry (support), Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner Kenlock; a Register of Deeds staff member offered further outreach and training to the commission and the public.
