Recorder explains legislative proposal

Union County Recorder Katie Carlton told the Union County Board of Supervisors Monday how a state network of county recorders are creating legislation to increase document fees that have not changed since 1985.

Carlton said the non-transfer document fees, which are essentially those related to land and real estate transactions, have not had enough revenue to enhance department operations related to record keeping. Those fee rates include $7 for one document, $12 for two. Carlton said after meeting with other recorders the proposal is $10 per document.

“The inflation rate would be $62.91,” she said.

“We want to try and make it predicable,” Carlton said about the proposed rates. “Ten dollars for one and $30 for three. It’s predictable.” Carlton said increased revenues will make it more economical to produce better record keeping. Portions of the revenue would also go toward the county’s general fund. The proposal does not change the auditor transfer parcel fee.

Carlton said there were discussions between the recorder and county auditor networks about other related fees, but a consensus was not reached. Carlton expects the proposal to be reviewed during the 2025 Iowa Legislative session.

In other county news...

Union County Treasurer Kelly Busch said Trent Holliday has offered to pay $1,000 for the property at 426 Livingston St. in Creston. The property has not had taxes paid since 2007 and is at $5,908 not including fees. Busch said Holliday has offered to improve the lot. Supervisors approved his offer.

Union County Engineer Christian Boehmer informed supervisors of multiple projects planned in the future. A low-water crossing is planned to replace a bridge on 230th Street, west of Jaguar Avenue. Work is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

Bids will be opened Aug. 12 for bridge work on Squirrel Avenue.

About 4.7 miles of road work are scheduled between Arispe and Pole Road. Boehmer expects the work to be done in spring 2025.