News from the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, Chester County, Pennsylvania |
|
|
February is dedicated as Black History Month in the U.S., honoring both the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout our nation's and county's long and rich history. The County of Chester is still making history, however, through two of its row officers who, for the first time in the county's 339-year lineage, hold their respective positions as African American women. We had the privilege of interviewing them both about this important achievement, what it means to them and its significance to both society and our region. |
|
 |
County Sherriff Fredda Maddox |
I didn’t run for County Sheriff to make history in becoming the first African American woman to be elected Sheriff in both Chester County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; I ran to make a difference in the community and have a seat at the table where I knew policy decisions in policing and law enforcement are made. I recognized there was no one sitting at that table who looked like me to voice concerns of communities of color. While in Chester County the sheriff has limited police powers and questions often arise regarding our scope and authority, nationally, sheriffs have county-wide jurisdiction with greater authority than local police chiefs. The Sheriffs directly influence issues concerning our borders, immigration, prison reform, criminal justice reform and gun rights, to name a few. I am fortunate to have been invited to speak and participate on national committees through the National Sheriffs' Association of which our office is a recognized member."
"No one could have predicted the civil unrest as a result of the killing of George Floyd and the turmoil resulting from the presidential election. As an African American woman, mother, attorney, and now a law enforcement executive, I provide a diverse voice and perspective that is non-monolithic on several pivotal issues facing our nation and our community."
"It is an honor to serve as Sheriff, to protect and serve our community, and to serve as a symbol of possibility for members of the community who look like me and for those who don’t."
|
|
|
|
Prothonotary Debbie Bookman |
I am extremely humbled and honored to serve as Chester County’s first black, female Prothonotary. As someone who was relatively new to Countywide politics, I knew that I had a difficult election road ahead of me. Despite the many obstacles that I had to overcome, I never gave up and I persevered."
"Holding this office means a lot to me because, as a domestic violence survivor, I can directly help others who are facing the same or similar situations that I have faced. In this role, I am also able to access other elected officials in order to advocate for victims and work together to make much needed changes to current domestic violence legislation."
"Societally, this historic achievement means a lot for B.I.P.O.C. communities, having someone who looks like them in a leadership role(s). I aim to give them hope in believing that they, too, can someday represent their communities by holding office."
|
Congratulations, ladies, and thank you for allowing us the honor of featuring you here in Good Deeds!
|
|
|
|
More Cost Savings for You |
|
By statute, the Recorder of Deeds is required to maintain off-site backup versions of our recorded documents for safeguarding in case of damage or disaster. Historically, it has been a necessary but costly and cumbersome aspect of our operations. To this end, we are happy to announce that we've negotiated a new contract amendment with our vendor, Info Quick Solutions (IQS), in order to modernize this process and reduce costs significantly. This will be presented at the next County Commissioner meeting for final approval.
Currently, images of our documents are converted onto microfilm for permanent record keeping, but will now be converted and stored as electronic files in a secure PDF/A format. Storing records as microfilm can incur costs in postage, physical storage and more. The transition from expensive microfilm to electronic based storage and the resulting lower cost per image could see a potential cost savings of over $18,000 annually, depending on the volume of documents processed. We are looking forward to realizing the multiple benefits of this major change very soon and continuing to assess how we can enact positive modernization like this in the future.
|
|
Record Breaking Breakdown |
|
In the few more recent issues of Good Deeds, we stated that 2021 was a record-breaking year for our department. More specifically, the thresholds surpassed last year represent the most documents recorded since 2006 and also a collection of the highest revenue in nearly two decades, since 2003. To clarify, below is a more precise breakdown of our history as it pertains to Document Volume and Net Contributions to the County Government. |
|
Bubbles the bulldog is the official mascot of the Recorder of Deeds and best fur friend to Second Deputy Erin VanRyn. Bubbles has all the answers to common questions as well as helpful tips to expedite your recording process without any major issues. Woof-hoo! |
|
I am a U.S. Veteran living in Chester County. How can I get my military discharge paperwork recorded with your office and what do I need in order to do so? |
Bubbles says... "To record your military discharge, visit our office and we will assist you. Veterans should bring their DD- 214 and/or other military discharge document(s) to be recorded as well as a current photo identification card (such as a Pennsylvania Drivers’ License or U.S. Passport) in order to verify identity. The Recorder of Deeds does not charge veterans a fee for this service. Visit our webpages about Military Discharges and Veteran ID Discount Cards for more information." |
|
|
News from the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, Chester County, Pennsylvania |
|
|
County of Chester, Recorder of Deeds | Website
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
