Shoshone County renews digital records access fees

WALLACE — After navigating severe budgetary concerns for the current fiscal year, Shoshone County officials are working diligently to make sure that they don’t leave any potential revenue streams out in the cold. 

During a meeting Wednesday morning, the Shoshone Board of County of Commissioners, along with Assessor Jerry White, met to discuss reinstating an access agreement between the county and anyone who uses their AS400 program. 

According to White, the AS400 is the program used by counties to keep track of ownership, legal descriptions, values, taxes and exemptions on properties. 

“It is our bread and butter,” White said.

Commissioner Tracy Casady led the charge in getting the agreement back in place.

“This was an agreement that was done in the past with title companies and other agencies that have had remote access to records through the Assessor's Office,” Casady said. “Somewhere down the line, it was dropped where they no longer paid a fee so we're renewing the agreement and collecting the fees again.” 

While the system itself is supported by the Idaho State Tax Commission, Shoshone County’s IT team maintains its part of it. So, any free use of the service is coming at a direct cost to local taxpayers. 

“Title companies and Realtors need this information to perform their work,” White explained. “In the old days, they would have to contact the office for each and every transaction. With access to the AS400, they can accomplish this from their workspace and not have to inquire with the county. Seeing how it is a process that saves the title companies time and effort and not necessary for the average taxpayer they need to cover the expense of the privilege.” 

The fee for this service has not yet been determined by the county, but previously, each entity using it was charged $200 per quarter to access the AS400 system. It’s anticipated the resurrected fee will be greater than the previous amount. 

“I think this a great idea,” Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman said during the meeting. “We’ll be collecting fees that we should’ve been collecting.” 

“Yeah, because in the absence of that, it falls on the taxpayers,” Commissioner Dave Dose added.