Hamilton Co. Recorder office to close on Fridays

CINCINNATI - If you plan on visiting the Hamilton County Recorder's Office on Fridays, you'll likely find the doors locked.

Recorder Wayne Coates announced Tuesday he's eliminating Friday office hours because his budget for 2013 has been cut by by $1.06 million or 25 percent.

Hamilton County's Commissioners announced that reduction last week as they trimmed $14 million in spending from the General Fund.

Coates said he only has 21 employees, which is down from 41 just four years ago, and it's either close on Fridays or lay people off during the holiday season.

"I regret this action," Coates wrote in a letter sent to Commissioners, Greg Hartmann, Chris Monzel and Todd Portune, plus County Administrator Christian Sigman.  "However, without adequate resources I have few options, unless the Commissioners reverse their decision."

He's asking people to direct their comments to the Sigman and the Commissioners.