According to Clark County Auditor George Sodders, new foreclosure filings in Clark County dropped from 1,124 in 2008 to 1,104 in 2009, a modest 1.8% decline.  The most recent data was compiled by the Ohio Supreme Court.   During the same period, statewide filings increased from 85,773 to 89,053, a 3.8% climb.

 Among Ohio’s 88 counties, Morgan County recorded the highest percentage increase in foreclosure filings at 129.7%, while Allen County’s dropped 30.7%.

 In surrounding counties, Montgomery foreclosures dropped 9.5%;  Madison jumped 37.9%;  Greene increased 10.1%; and Champaign climbed 24.2%.

New foreclosure filings in Clark County have fluctuated between a low of 925 in 2005 to a high of 1,124 in 2008. Statewide filings have increased every year since 2005, ranging from 63,996 to 89,053.

Clark County Auditor George Sodders is spearheading the use of credit cards to make payments via the web for licensing fees, utility bills and other payments that are approved by county departments.

Sodders recommended to county commissioners the adoption of a resolution giving departments the option to accept credit card payments.

“I think this is a real convenience for taxpayers and there is no additional cost to the county for providing this service,” Sodders said. “In addition, these services are proven to be safe and secure for taxpayers, and there is no hassle with returned checks,” Sodders explained.

Upon the recommendation of Sodders, County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution today, paving the way to solicit bids from potential providers.

Clark County Auditor George Sodders is partnering with Springfield City to eliminate duplication of services provided by their geographical information systems (GIS). Sodders said that the county will provide hosting services for the city’s geographical system, which includes both city and county enterprise zones, traffic lights, street lights, all locations of fire and EMS stations, water hydrants, and sewer and water lines. The joint effort will provide one-stop shopping for users. Sodders said that the elimination of duplication will boost the county’s economic development initiatives. “Today, our GIS system is utilized by developers, local and national businesses and industries looking to locate or expand operations in the county, and the Community Improvement Corporation,” Sodders said.

Sodders explained that he is also enhancing the system to include scanned sewer construction images for the city, a search for lost dogs, a tax estimator for property owners, and new street level imagery for property owners, developers, realtors, and law enforcement.