Title
a. Approve a resolution amending Article XIII, Section III of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution, effective January 1, 2026, authorizing a $1 increase in the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Trust Fund Recording Fee from $9 to $10 per recorded document, on all documents identified in Government Code section 27388, as that section may be amended, for which the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Trust Fund fee may apply, to support the investigation and prosecution of real estate fraud by the District Attorney’s Office.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve a resolution amending Article XIII, Section III of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution, effective January 1, 2026, authorizing a $1 increase in the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Trust Fund Recording Fee from $9 to $10 per recorded document, on all documents identified in Government Code section 27388, as that section may be amended, for which the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Trust Fund fee may apply, to support the investigation and prosecution of real estate fraud by the District Attorney’s Office.
SUMMARY:
The District Attorney’s Office is requesting a $1 increase in the real estate fraud recording fee, from $9 to $10 per recorded document, pursuant to Government Code section 27388. This adjustment will help to secure needed funding for the dedicated resources that support the investigation and prosecution of real estate fraud, enabling the Office to address the complexity and volume of cases, protect vulnerable homeowners, and mitigate the broader economic and community impacts of fraudulent real estate activity.
DISCUSSION:
Effective January 1, 2013, Senate Bill 1342 amended Government Code section 27388 to authorize county boards of supervisors to impose an increased fee of up to $10 for recording certain real estate instruments. The purpose of this fee is to fund the Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Trust Fund (“Trust”), which may be used by the Dist...
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