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Reduced hours at Recorder's Office 'bad for business'

Angry employees and people who regularly use the Hamilton County Recorder's office packed Commission chambers Wednesday. They want funding restored to the Recorder's budget so he won't go through with closing the office on Friday's.

Earlier this month Wayne Coates announced the four-day work week is needed to manage the nearly 25 percent cut to his 2013 budget.

Paul Berlage with the Southwestern Ohio Land Title Association says avoiding filing delays is paramount.

“What legal entanglements will arise when Friday marks the third business day after a refinance? The rescission period will be over. Homeowners and business owners will want disbursement of loan proceeds but lenders will be unable to perfect their leans on that day. Will banks need to open themselves up to foreseeable risk? The circumstance creates a window for corruption in the borrowing process. Or will homeowners have to wait more days to receive their funds?”

Commission President Greg Hartmann understands the concerns and says he's willing to see what can be done to keep the Recorders office open five days per week. However, he says, that doesn't include restoring any of the cut funding.

Commissioner Todd Portune says the Recorder's Office is the first department to cut hours to meet 2013 budget demands but it likely won't be the last.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.