I hear you.  You are telling my story.  I have been working for them for many many years.  Like you, I am a 1099 contractor.  Many times, maybe most times, the copy costs are more than the search fee.  I have been forced to eat that.....$2500 to an independent contractor is lots and lots of money especially when I have paid the money to the county already.  So instead of just a loss of time and gas, it is actual cash outlay.  I wish that there was some sort of recourse for this.  Do you know of anything that can be done. 

I will no longer work for them unless i have it in writing that they are going to pay as billed for copies.  I am charging what is on the printed County Fee Sheets and I provided a copy to her.  Anyway, the reduction in dealing with Sandra and Shawna is a great plus.  I work very hard at keeping good relations with the people that I do work for.  

I have survived without their business although I would welcome it if we could get some resolution....pay as charged....pay in a reasonable amount of time!