County clerk reports rise in e-recordings, offers free property-fraud alert

County Clerk Christie told the Livingston County Board on Jan. 16 that recording activity has shifted markedly from paper documents to e-recordings since the COVID period, and she flagged a decline in revenue-stamp income for the second half of 2024.

Christie said the county recorded about 1,800 paper documents in 2024 and 3,084 e-recordings, compared with 7,740 paper recordings and 160 e-recordings in 2021. She said general fund revenue from revenue stamps for the six-month period totaled $112,748.89 and that the county forwarded $120,426 to the state for the state's share.

To help property owners guard against fraudulent filings, Christie described a free property-fraud alert program available from the clerk's office. "You can sign up your property," Christie said. "If any documents are filed in our office and recorded and you did not file them, it will let you know." The alert can be delivered by text, voicemail or phone call and is available for businesses as well as private property owners.

Christie also noted the county has 34 Laredo subscribers who pay monthly fees for document access. She reminded the board that early voting for the Pontiac mayoral race had begun and runs through Feb. 24, followed by the consolidated election early voting starting April 1.

The board voted to accept the clerk's semiannual report by roll call.