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County approves draft letter opposing state study to transfer registries of deeds
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Summary
Barnstable County commissioners authorized a draft letter opposing Massachusetts House Bill 3971, which would study transferring county‑run registries of deeds to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, citing local expertise, historical practice and potential employee benefit complications.
County staff presented a draft letter opposing Massachusetts House Bill 3971 at the Dec. 17 meeting. The bill would create a study committee to examine transferring registries of deeds that remain under county government to oversight by the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Staff said the letter argues the county has successfully operated its registry since the late 1600s and that local knowledge of deeds, roadways and paper records is important on Cape Cod. Longtime Register of Deeds Jack Mead reviewed and supported the letter, staff said. Commissioners also cited potential complications drawn from prior transfers of county functions — including disputes over employee retirement benefits after a sheriff’s office transfer — and noted that the registry currently employs three county staff members.
A motion to conclude/approve the draft letter in opposition to House Bill 3971 was made and approved by vote. Commissioners directed staff to continue outreach to legislators about county operations and the role the registry plays in local recordkeeping.
