The Automation Fund is not paid for with tax dollars. Instead, it is created by a small fee that Pennsylvania law requires to be added to most documents recorded in the Recorder of Deeds Office.

According to the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law (Act 87 of 1982, as amended):

“In addition to the fee charged by a recorder of deeds … a fee in the amount of $5 shall be charged and collected for each document recorded. … $3 of this fee shall remain in a special fund within the Recorder of Deeds Office to improve records management, and the remaining $2 shall go into the County Records Improvement Fund.”

This law ensures that every time a deed, mortgage, or other property document is recorded, a portion of the fee is set aside to:

– Digitize and preserve historical records.

– Maintain secure storage and backup systems

– Upgrade technology, equipment, and workplace conditions

– Expand online access to records

– Conduct public service announcements and awareness campaigns to inform residents about available services and protections

These campaigns are especially important because while records are public by law, they only serve the community if people know how to access them. Outreach helps residents take advantage of programs like free deed fraud protection, Veterans and Local Heroes ID cards, and online record searches.

By combining modernization with public awareness, the Automation Fund ensures that Fayette County residents benefit from efficient, transparent, and secure recordkeeping — without additional cost to taxpayers.