I noted many problems with the coming system in a prior forum thread when the issue was first raised.
I recommend a pro-active set of ideas:
1. Offer the Registrar and Secretary of State to take over the old database and run it free online. Get a copy and offer to host it without cost for the citizens of the state. Find a donor firm if necessary, to absorb the cost of doing so.
2. Ask the county to continue to host the old database, understanding that the cost of maintenance and upkeep will duplicate the cost to the taxpayers. See if a private-public partnership can be arranged.
3. As business professionals, investigate your other resource options for the public records: look into the DocEdge-style companies that might offer some commercial resources. Review the APN map providers (including the County Assessor itself, naturally). See if there are public GIS system offering additional records. Review the available online tax rolls and civil court records.
At all times, understand that, while there is certainly "kickbacks" in the system, there are reasons to fix what is PERCEIVED to be "not broken". For instance, when a database program is so old that it is harder each year to find qualified or cost effective service when it breaks, and it is long out of any warranty, then it becomes a ticking bomb for problems. You'll encounter this issue if you take over any aspect of the "classical" database, so be prepared for increasing expenses for maintenance and servicing when problems arise.
Go in with solid, real world suggestions and a willingness to show up at the table with the ability and willingness to work with them, rather than make it a bitch session: REMEMBER, their new system may in fact comply with the minimal standards established by code and statute, and hence they may not need to do anything at all for you.
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