WASHINGTON CO. CLERK: BIRTHS UP SIGNIFICANTLY, DEATHS UP SLIGHTLY IN 2023
Washington County Commissioners heard a slate of year-end statistics during annual reports presented at their meeting today (Tuesday).
shares her 2023 annual report with
county commissioners at their meeting
on Tuesday.
County Clerk Beth Rothermel shared in her annual report that the county recorded 430 births and 346 deaths in 2023. Those figures are up from 338 births and 325 deaths recorded in 2022.
The number of births last year was the highest the county has seen since it logged 455 in 2015. The record, according to Rothermel’s data that goes back to 1995, was 507 in 2008.
Meanwhile, the 346 deaths a year ago was below the county’s high point of 373 deaths in 2021.
Rothermel noted that the number of births only takes babies that were born in Washington County into account, as there is no way of knowing who may live in Washington County but go out of county to give birth. Parents could live in another county and decide to come to Washington County to give birth, but that address information is not public.
There were 246 marriage licenses sold in 2023, down slightly from 249 in 2022. The most recent high mark was 254 licenses sold in 2017, with the record being 305 in 2006.
A total of 7,662 official public records were filed last year, down from 9,353 in 2022, which was the largest amount since 1995 when 10,222 official records were filed.
The county set a new record with the amount of plats filed in 2023 at 74. The previous record was 60, set in 2001 and tied in 2022.
Rothermel said the county clerk’s office collected $911,111 last year, including $467,777 in general fees, $334,078 in criminal fees, $72,548 in probate and guardianship fees and $36,708 in civil fees.
2023’s total is below what was collected the year before at $977,230 and the record $1,002,134 brought in in 2021. The county will keep 89 percent of last year’s collections and pay the remaining 11 percent to the state, down from the split of 91 percent retained and 9 percent paid to the state in 2022.
Other statistics of note came during the year-end report provided by Elections Administrator Carol Jackson, who said there were 24,707 registered voters to close out 2023. There were 1,704 new voter registrations recorded last year. Jackson reminded the public that February 5th is the last day that her office can receive new voter registration applications ahead of the March 5th primary elections.
Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:
- Approved an engagement letter from Belt Harris Pechacek, LLLP to provide auditing services to Washington County for the years ending 2023, 2024 and 2025.
- Approved a revised investment policy for the county. County Treasurer Peggy Kramer said the only changes are to go for longer-term investments – from two years to three – to take advantage of potentially better interest rates and to add verbiage on different investment types.
- Approved an extension of time to use vacation hours for Veterans Service Officer Eric Posern.
In what way is this County checking to see that *all* registered voters are actually citizens? Has the county cleaned up voter rolls to remove deceased individuals and those that have moved away? Maybe KWHI should report on that. With the MILLIONS of illegals streaming across our border, how do we stop them from voting? Dept of Health & HUman Services gives them an application request to vote, with their benefits pkg.
You cannot register to vote unless you are a citizen, however “some areas allow non-citizens to vote in local elections only”. I promise you that “MILLIONS of illegals” aren’t “steaming across our border” to vote in local or federal elections. A majority of them simply want the opportunity for a better life. Something that perhaps your ancestors came to the US to find.
Please have a conversation with an immigrant/naturalized citizen to understand the hoops that they go through in order to earn the right to vote.
Good for you! You are right on with your comments! Too much false “fake” news going around and unfair accusations. It needs to STOP NOW! Know what your are talking about and be ready to back it up with facts. Not what some crazy politician is spouting off.
Thank you.