The Register of Deeds’ Automation Fund is used to account for funds set aside under provisions of Public Act 698 of 2002 (MCL 600.2568). The fund was created for upgrading technology in the Register of Deeds’ Office under the Revised Judicature Act of 1961.

This fund is classified as a special revenue fund type because of the limited uses of the fund assets as provided by Public Act 698 of 2002. Upgrading technology is defined to include the design and purchase of equipment, and supplies and implementation of systems and procedures. The procedures must allow the register of deeds office to receive, enter, record, certify, index, store, search, retrieve, copy, and otherwise process (by automated procedures and advanced technology) documents, instruments, abstracts, maps, plats, and other items recorded and maintained by the register of deeds.

The fund is subject to an appropriation under the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act, PA 2 of 1968, as amended, (MCL 141.421 to 141.440a). Money is appropriated (transfer) from the general fund based on the total documents recorded per day in the register of deeds office. The Act states "$5.00 of the total fee collected for each recording" that are deposited into the general fund for the register of deed’s office should go into the new automation fund. The total documents recorded should be tallied at the end of each day and then multiplied by $5.00 to determine the amount that will be deposited in the "Register of Deeds Automation Fund."

The Public Act 698 of 2002 (MCL 600.2568) charges the county treasurer with the responsibility of investing the funds and crediting the interest and earnings to the automation fund. The cash and investments of the Register of Deeds Automation Fund are subject to the requirements of PA 20 of 1943, as amended, (MCL 129.91) and may be included in a pooled cash and investment.

All claims (expenditures) must be approved by the board of commissioners pursuant to: Counties--MCL 46.71, 46.53, and 46.63.