Register Of Deeds Office Sees Increase In Revenue

SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive announced today that his office has seen an increase in revenue for 2020. The Register of Deeds office was listed as a mandatory local government operation under Executive Order 138 and as such is considered to be an essential business that must remain open.

Johnston County Register of Deeds Craig Olive

Even while dealing in procedure changes related to COVID-19, revenue collected by the Register of Deeds office has increased for March – June 2020 as compared to the same time frame from 2019. In 2020, the office collected a total of $1,943,825.96 as compared to $1,869,954.36 for the same time period for 2019.  That’s an increase of $73,871.60.

There has also been an increase in the number of documents recorded in 2020.  From March 1 – July 17, 2020, a total of 18,096 real estate documents were recorded.  That same time period in 2019 saw a total of 15,113 documents, an increase of 2,893 documents.

In addition, there has been an increase in the issuance of marriage licenses for the same time period.  In 2020, 479 licenses were issued between March 1, 2020 – July 17, 2020, as compared to 452 for the same time period in 2019.

“My staff has been on the frontlines to assist our Johnston County citizens during this turbulent time.  They had to deal with policy and procedure changes but never wavered in their commitment to serve the residents of Johnston County”, stated Craig Olive, Johnston County Register of Deeds.  “Great things continue to happen in Johnston County as evidenced by our increase in revenue and I am proud and honored to serve our citizens during these times.”

The Johnston County Register of Deeds continues to be open to the public and will continue to serve the public, Mr. Olive said. The office handles real estate recordings, issuance of vital records, Notary Public oaths, as well as serving as a Passport Acceptance Facility.

Anyone with questions regarding the services provided by the Johnston County Register of Deeds office is encouraged to contact their office at 919-989-5160.