Wayne County’s Register of Deeds asked a county commission committee to recommend an ordinance amendment that would raise certain recording fees to $30 to cover rising costs and a projected $2.5 million deficit.

Register of Deeds Mr. Youngblood told the committee that the office is self-funded and that revenue declines from fewer recordings (affected by higher interest rates) have created a shortfall. "This year, we expect our deficit to be 2 and a half million dollars," he said, adding that the office has had no fee increase in his 25 years and that the last increase was in 1998. He said the change would align Wayne County with other counties that charge $30 for similar recordings.

During the committee discussion counsel confirmed the ordinance’s effective date would be Dec. 1, 2025. Commissioner Baydoun moved and Commissioner Anderson supported a motion to recommend approval of the ordinance amendment to the full board; the chair voted yes and the motion carried at the committee level.

Ending: The committee recommended the fee increase to the full board for final adoption, with counsel noting the ordinance language will reflect the Dec. 1, 2025 effective date.