Dear Friend of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds:

I am writing this letter to make each of you aware of a decision that negatively impacts the Norfolk Registry of Deeds operations.  On June 30, 2021 two Norfolk County Commissioners (Joseph Shea and Peter Collins) voted not to sign the personnel paper for an incoming Registry Chief Information Officer (CIO) to succeed the outgoing retiring Registry Chief Information Officer Jim Limbey effective June 30, 2021 by a 2 to 1 vote. 

This onsite Registry CIO position reporting to the Register of Deeds is a needed position that has been in existence at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds for over 20 years.  There will be negative impacts to Registry of Deeds operations that is relied on by title examiners, attorneys, engineers, real estate professionals, registry users and the general public.  Technology has been the foundation of the modernization initiatives that have been implemented over the years at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Technology overseen by the Registry CIO drives services to the users and stakeholders of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.

Additionally, in this era of cybersecurity risks and intrusions taking place not having an onsite Registry Chief Information Officer is not a sound decision and just poor policy.  I and the Registry staff are grateful to Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staiti for his support and vote to sign the personnel paper for a Registry Chief information Officer.  I am enclosing a copy of documentation that was submitted in support of the Registry of Deeds’ position at the June 30, 2021 hearing.

I and the Registry staff value the services that the Registry of Deeds delivers and the Registry users that rely on these services.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we deal with this challenging setback and situation.

Sincerely yours,

William P. O’Donnell