LISBON — Title companies, banks, attorneys and third-party vendors will have the ability to eRecord property deeds in the near future in Columbiana County, according to county Recorder Jim Armeni.

The county commissioners on Wednesday authorized Armeni to sign an electronic recording agreement with Hopdox, a Utah-based company with operations in Ohio, which specializes in electronic recording of documents.

Armeni explained that his office already offers electronic recording of nonconveyance documents, such as mortgage releases, through CSC eRecording Services. Hopdox will be a second vendor for eRecording for the recorder’s office.

Both companies will then have the ability to record deeds electronically, which the office currently doesn’t offer.

Armeni said some details have to be worked out, such as the software installation, but he’s hoping to have the new service up and running in 30 days.

In other business, commissioners authorized the county engineer to sign applications and forms for Ohio Public Works Commission, State Capital Improvement Program and Local Transportation Improvement Program funding for the 2026 construction season and renewed the county equal employment policy statement for the county engineer’s office.

Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency Director Peggy Clark told commissioners that September is National Preparedness Month and this week is Ohio Preparedness Week. She said they’ve been posting information on the EMA’s social media page and this week visited a nursing home to talk about emergency preparation and “what you need to do prior to an emergency happening.”

Planning ahead can include being aware of hazards that can impact your area, know where to seek shelter and knowing where to get reliable information. The EMA included a storm planning timeline on what to do a few days out, such as having a family communication plan and gathering emergency supplies, then the day before adjusting plans, ensuring your shelter is clean and accessible and making sure your phone can receive weather alerts. On the day of a weather event, remind family members of the communication plan, know how to evacuate or get to safety if necessary and pay attention if a warning is issued.

As a reminder, the EMA posted information on how to sign up for the emergency notifications in the county by visiting the county EMA website and ccoema.org and clicking on the CCEMA alerts tab at the top of the page. If on a mobile device, click on the three lines at the top of the page and scroll down to alerts.

The next meeting of the county commissioners will be 9 a.m. Sept. 17.

mgreier@mojonews.com