Committee forwards ordinance to update assessor-recorder fees, allow CPI adjustments

The Budget and Finance Committee on March 20 forwarded to the full Board of Supervisors an ordinance revising fees charged by the Assessor-Recorder for copies of recorded documents and notary services.

Holly Long of the Assessor-Recorder’s Office said the proposed structure creates a two-tier system: a flat $1.76 fee for copies obtained online and per‑page fees for copies provided through staff assistance, kiosks or mail. The ordinance would also authorize the Controller’s Office to update those fees annually to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. Long said the office has digitized more than 7 million records and that 67% of transactions are online, producing estimated cost savings for online users.

Supervisor Mirna Melgar asked whether higher fees could be used to accelerate modernization; Assessor-Recorder staff said the system was updated in 2021 and that they continue to implement enhancements but welcomed further user feedback.

There were no public speakers on the item. The committee voted to forward the ordinance with a positive recommendation.

The full board will consider the ordinance at its March 26 meeting; if approved, the Controller would be authorized to apply CPI adjustments annually as described in the legislation.