The Saline County Commission unanimously approved a request from Register of Deeds Michelle Newell to transfer funds from the Register of Deeds technology fund to support GIS mapping flights for the next three years.
During Tuesday's commission meeting, Newell requested approval to transfer up to $50,000 annually from the Register of Deeds technology fund to the land records technology fund for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. The funds will specifically finance Eagle flight services for GIS mapping.
"I would like to transfer funds from the register of deeds technology fund into the land records technology fund to fund the Eagle flight for the GIS mapping for the years of 26, 27, and 28," Newell told commissioners.
Newell explained that the Register of Deeds technology fund, which currently contains approximately $149,000, grows by roughly $50,000 per year through collected fees. The fund is designated for technology related to real estate, recording, and preserving records.
When questioned about the purpose of the transfer, Newell emphasized the importance of GIS mapping for multiple county departments.
"We use that GIS mapping quite a bit in our office to help us kind of figure out where we're supposed to be in the land records," Newell said. "Sometimes legal descriptions are insanely crazy. So, we try to use that. I know a lot of other departments use that GIS mapping as well."
Commissioners noted that the aerial photography is extensively utilized by the appraiser's office and other county departments. The estimated cost for each flight is approximately $38,000, though the full $50,000 is being allocated to account for potential inflation or unforeseen expenses.
The commission approved Resolution 2025-18 authorizing the fund transfer as presented.
