Commissioners press register of deeds for response on >$200,000 IBM upgrade; may involve Secretary of State

County staff told Norfolk County commissioners on May 21 that a registry-support IBM server upgrade needed for a major registry system would cost more than $200,000 and that the board had asked the register of deeds to consider using the register-controlled technology fund to pay for the work. The register has not replied to the county’s earlier request.

Commissioners discussed next steps. Some members said the state has a stake because registry revenue is shared with the state and suggested the county should inform the Secretary of State if the register will not or cannot release funds. Others said they were concerned about the legal or procedural mechanics of bypassing the register and preferred to give the register one more week to respond and to invite the register to a follow-up meeting or written dialogue.

"We've not heard from the register," county staff reported, calling the current status "a null answer at this point." The board agreed to have the chairman re-send the letter asking for a decision by next week and to invite the register to discuss the request in person; if the register does not respond, commissioners said they would consider contacting the Secretary of State’s office to protect registry operations and to explore using state-held resources.

Why it matters: The registry upgrade supports a core county service; the commissioners said they want to ensure registry systems remain supported but disagreed about the best procedural route to secure funds. The board did not approve any transfer or expenditure at the May 21 meeting.

What’s next: Staff will re-send the follow-up letter to the register and invite him to meet; commissioners set a one-week target for a response before considering escalation to the Secretary of State. No funding decision was made at the meeting.