SB0694 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT-TECH

4 Co-Sponsors

Amends the Recorder Division of the Counties Code. Provides that, in counties of 500,000 or more inhabitants, the recorder may microphotograph or otherwise reproduce on film or store electronically instruments (rather than may microphotograph or otherwise reproduce on film instruments) in the manner provided by law. In provisions concerning predictable fee schedules for recordings in first and second class counties, provides that fees of the recorder for recording deeds or other instruments in writing and maps of plats of additions, subdivisions, or otherwise and for certifying copies of records shall not be based on units, but allows a county to adopt an ordinance and publish in its fee schedule an additional fee or formula for a document that makes specific reference to more than 5 tax parcels, units, property identification numbers, or document numbers. Allows the county board to increase, by ordinance or resolution, the fees allowed in the predictable fee schedule if the increase is justified by an acceptable cost study or internal analysis with a minimum of 3 years showing that the fees allowed by this Section are not sufficient to cover the cost of providing the service. Requires a statement of the cost of providing each service, program, and activity to be prepared by the county board and that all supporting documents to the statement are public record and subject to public examination and audit. Provides that all direct and indirect costs may be included in the determination of the costs of each service, program, and activity. Changes references to "irregular documents" to "nonstandard documents". Allows a county board to charge an additional minimum $3 automation fee for every filing to defray the cost of converting the recorder's document storage system to computers or micrographics and in order to defray the cost of providing access to records through the Internet and $3 GIS fee for a county's geographic information system, specifying how the moneys may be used. Makes other changes.