A. The number of foreclosures filed in Franklin County tells a story worth hearing regarding the economic recession in America. In 2005, the records in this office reflect that 21 foreclosures were filed in Circuit Court. In 2006, that number increased to 44 cases. In 2007, 133 cases were filed and in 2008, 264 cases were filed. In 2009, we filed a whopping 414 foreclosure cases in Circuit Court. In five (5) years, an unprecedented increase almost 20 times greater. My office has held fifty-five (55) sales since January 2010. According to a report generated on April 21st, there have been 89 foreclosure cases filed this calendar year-to-date. These cases are traditionally remaining within the system for some time before they are set for sale or otherwise closed, so many of the sales held are a result of cases filed from earlier years. I hear from clerks all over the state about the increased number of foreclosures, so you can only imagine the Clerk’s increased workload. And, it’s not just the investors who are being taken to court - people are losing their homes.   In Franklin County, we know that the construction and seafood industries have declined, the real estate market is slow, and jobs are not plentiful. Not only are the workers in those industries affected, but also the retail businesses, wait staff, and minimum-pay employees. All these factors contribute to financial burdens. As your clerk, I’m very concerned about the state of the economy, and I am keeping a watchful eye on the county’s budget and revenue stream and expenditures. Just as our personal budgets are being stretched to the limit, so are the government’s budgets. We should keep in mind that as more and more foreclosures are filed and the taxable value of real property decreases, the county’s budget will be affected, which in turn, could affect services provided. 

 

If you have any questions or comments about this column, please forward them to: Marcia Johnson, Clerk of the Court, 33 Market Street, Ste 203, Apalachicola, Florida, 32320, or by email to: mmjohnson@franklin.clerk.com.