Benton County’s Records and Elections Department is moving more of its services online with the latest addition aimed at title companies, real estate agents and other professionals who regularly dig through property records.
The department on Wednesday announced the opening of its Digital Research Room, a subscription service that gives users on-demand access to recorded documents for a flat rate of $150 per month. Previously, those records had to be pulled, reviewed and sent by a county employee, with a fee calculated for each request.
The research room is the third piece of a modernization effort the department began rolling out in July. It’s part of a broader countywide initiative to update department websites, payment systems and services that have traditionally required a phone call or an in-person visit.
“Digital modernization is important to the Board of Commissioners and county leadership because it’s a better way to serve our constituents,” County Administrator Rick Crager said in a news release. “This project is a component of our commitment to transparency in governance. This work will be ongoing, iterative and open to public feedback.”
The first phase, launched in July, introduced a redesigned department website with simpler navigation, easier access to commonly used services and the ability to book appointments online.
In September, the department added a free Property Recording Alert System. Subscribers receive an email whenever a document containing a name they’ve specified is recorded and indexed by the county. The service is designed to give property owners early warning of potentially unauthorized filings against their property.
According to the county, the new research room is expected to benefit frequent users such as titling and recording companies, realtors and contractors while also easing the workload on records staff. Residents who only need occasional help are not required to subscribe and can still request records at the counter or by email. Certified copies will continue to be issued only by the records staff.
“With each phase of this project, our goal has been to make our services easier to access, book and use,” said Darla Rush, the Benton County clerk and director of the Records and Elections Department. “This digital modernization helps us streamline services and improves access for those unable to make a call or visit mid-day or wait for staff support.”
The changes do not extend to elections. The county noted that voting and voter registration will continue to follow standards set by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for the state’s vote-by-mail system.
More information on the department’s online services is available at re.bentoncountyor.gov.