Commission directs courthouse committee to negotiate relocation plan for Ramsey County Abstract

The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners directed the courthouse (security) committee to negotiate possible relocation terms with Ramsey County Abstract after the company’s leadership described operational impacts a move would cause.

Gene Serum Barrett, identified in the meeting as vice president of Ramsey County Abstract, told commissioners the company has occupied space adjacent to the recorder’s office for decades and that moving would disrupt daily operations and add cost. “The work that went into improving [our current space] for us was pretty big,” Barrett said, describing recent renovations and equipment investments.

The abstract office’s president also testified that proximity to the recorder’s office and frequent daily interaction are central to the company’s ability to serve landowners quickly and to provide notary services and document lookups. The company noted that moving to the proposed North Central Planning or Memorial Building spaces would increase rent, require relocation costs and could lengthen turnaround times for customers.

Commissioners acknowledged tight courthouse space and competing needs from county offices. Commissioners did not order an immediate eviction; instead they approved a motion directing the courthouse committee to sit down with the abstract office to draft a relocation plan, estimate remodeling costs for proposed alternate spaces and consider lease terms. The motion passed by roll call.

The committee will report back with cost estimates, a proposed timeline and draft lease terms; commissioners said the goal is to identify a workable solution that balances county operational needs with the abstract office’s service role to landowners and the recorder’s office.