Pierce County Auditor Jan Shabro made a surprise visit to the Aug. 11 Bonney Lake City Council.

Shabro noted to the council there are some recent changes in state law that impacts the Auditor’s Off-ice.

She said a recent state law passed limits the number of special elections each year.

Cur-rently there are four dates for special elections, said Shabro, but that will be reduced to three in 2010.

“Then in another year or two it will be reduced to two,” she added.

Shabro said municipalities and other districts will have to plan better for council and levy elections.

“The good news is that you can combine with others and the cost of the election can be shared,” Shabro noted.

She said her office is not just responsible for county elections, but also recording, licensing and animal services.

As for vehicle licensing, Shabro reminder her audience there is an “opt out” portion on the tabs. She said before the law changed, people could check a box to donate $5 to support state parts.

“Now it’s coming with the $5 already added in,” Shabro said. “And you have to check the box to opt out.”

Concerning recording, Shabro said there is a significant increase in recording fees due to changes in state law. She said $20 has been added to the fee.

“It now costs $62 to record the first page of a document,” she explained. “That has risen $40 in the last four years.”

Shabro said the state Legislature increased the fees to help fund homeless and affordable housing projects.

“We don’t get any of the money,” she said.

She stated her office records court and legal documents – anything a citizen feels that needs to be public record.

Dealing with annexation, Shabro said her office should be notified as soon as possible so staff can help with the process.

“We can help you draw maps, notify the voters of any changes,” she said.

State law states municipalities and districts must have their lines redrawn and have the election department notify voters 30 day prior to the filing period.

“Candidates need to know what district they’re in,” she said.

She noted Bonney Lake is one of three cities in the county that is divided into districts or wards.

Her office deals with all types of licensing such as vehicle tabs, passport or marriage license.

As for as animal services, Shabro said she is “the county dog catcher” for unincorporated areas of the county.

Shabro also reminded the city about the 2010 census and that the numbers will come out the spring of 2011.

A few months after the result, redistricting will begin, she added.

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