Addressing Blighted Property
- Signed into law in 2016, the Recorder of Deeds office can implement a recording fee of up to $15 for each deed and mortgage recorded, which can be accomplished through a county ordinance.
- The funds from these fees can be used to fund the demolition of blighted properties (property considered a public nuisance, usually a safety issue).
- Many municipalities, especially rural ones, do not have the funding or capability to handle this issue. Adding this fee addresses the blight issue that affects home sellers, realtors, and municipal leaders.
- In 2020 over 9500 deeds and mortgages were recorded. This fee could generate over $142,500 in revenue to address blighted property!
- We must modernize our approach to resolving this issue to create economic and housing opportunities!
