Some of you in the real estate business are probably aware of this, but for others this information may be also be useful. E-mails have been circulating regarding King County Recorders office closures due to staffing furloughs. I called the recorders office to confirm and they sent me the letter dated December 11, 2008 to all the “recording customers.” In addition to normal recognized Holidays, the King County Recorders office will be closed the following 2009 dates:

Friday, January 2, 2009; Friday February 13, 2009; Friday, April 10th, 2009; Friday, May 22, 2009; Friday, June 19, 2009; Monday, July 6, 2009; Friday, September 4th 2009; Monday October 12, 2009; Wenesday, November 25, 2009; and Thursday, December 24, 2009.

From the Dec. 11th 2008 letter from the King County Records and Licensing Services Division:

“King County is facing an unprecedented $93.4 Million 2009 budget deficit. The 2009 budget deficit will be addressed through permanent reductions, efficiencies, salary and overhead savings and limited use of reserves. One of the strategies to offset costs is with reductions in employee hours worked. All King County employees, with the exception of essential safety and transit staff, will take ten unpaid furlough days in 2009.

The schedule of furlough days in 2009 is as follows: (see dates above)