Jul 13, 2013 2 min read

I would like to respond to a letter written by Charles Hrutkay that appeared in the July 7 edition of the Observer-Reporter regarding the Recorder of Deeds office.

First, I would like to commend Hrutkay for mentioning the efficiency of the office and courtesy of the staff. One does not often see a compliment when there is a complaint being made. I also feel his pain having to pay 50 cents per page for copies. However, I would like to point out that all documents in the office back to 1781 have been imaged into a computer. This has been accomplished through countless employee hours and staggering sums of money. Computers and equipment must be upgraded on a continuing basis. Licensing fees for computer systems must be paid annually, along with supplies and maintenance fees.

The Legislature passed a bill allowing for a charge of 50 cents per page many years ago to help defray the cost of technology. While the copy charge does not cover all expenses, it does help cover some of the cost to operate the office, which is used for all title work for people buying property. This fee was not established for the purpose of cashing in on the Marcellus Shale natural gas boom.

While the fee does not cover all costs to purchase and operate modern technology, it does divert the full burden of office operation from the general taxpayer and shift some of the financial obligation to those using the office.

Jim Fazzoni

Cokeburg

Fazzoni is the retired deputy recorder of deeds.