MAHONING COUNTY Fees for recording official documents will be doubled in price starting Friday

The increase will fund a state housing program for people with low incomes.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- He's not having a sale, but Mahoning County Recorder Ron Gerberry said people will save big money by visiting his office before Friday.
That's when a new statewide fee schedule kicks in, doubling rates for recording mortgages, deeds and other official documents in county recorders' offices.
"The costs are going up," Gerberry said. "People can save a lot of money by getting in and taking care of business before it happens."
The Ohio Legislature voted earlier this year to double recorder fees, effective Friday. The extra revenue, expected to be about $50 million statewide, will go toward balancing the state budget and funding a low-income housing program.
Counties will be permitted to keep 1 percent of the additional revenue to offset their administrative costs.
Gerberry said the cost of recording a two-page deed will increase from $14 to $28.
Cost of copying
In most counties, the cost for copying will rise from $1 to $2 per page. In Mahoning County, though, the cost will remain at 25 cents a page for most documents. Gerberry said he's able to set his own cost because he has installed a coin-operated copier for public use.
If people make their own copies, it's 25 cents per page. If they have a recorder's staff member do it, the $2-per-page price will apply.
Area recorders fought against the increase, along with the Ohio Recorders Association. They said they think it's unfair for Gov. Bob Taft to use recorder fees to balance the state's budget.
Gerberry said the increased fees could be a hardship for homeowners, especially in cases where lengthy documents are recorded.
bjackson@vindy.com