By John Howell Sr.
The Panola Chancery Clerk’s office has became the second in the state to accept online recording of land documents.

Batesville attorney Andy Yelton filed a warranty deed in an inaugural filing Wednesday, prior to a Dec. 1 launch of the system.

“Anything in the real property side can be electronically recorded now,” Chancery Clerk Jim Pitcock said.

Electronic recording allows attorneys and banks to file documents without having to drive to the chancery clerk’s office. The service results in reduced cost to the filer and to clerk’s office, Pitcock said.

The service was authorized by the Mississippi House Bill 599 in 2011. The legislation created a Mississippi Electronic Recording Commission to establish administration and standards for its implementation, said Richard Greenlee, president of Medir, Inc. Medir is the vendor that provides the service to the chancery clerk, “just like FedEx,” Greenlee said. “We guarantee delivery and we guarantee the funds.

Funds due the chancery clerk will be paid daily through Medir, streamlining the cash flow, Greenlee said.

Electronic filing has been adopted by about 35 states, beginning in Florida 10 years ago, Greenlee said.

“Jim is a forward-looking clerk,” the Medir president added.

For attorneys, the complete filing cycle will take from two seconds to 20 minutes, Pitcock said. Presently, the mail cycle can last from two to 20 days.

Of course, the office will still accept conventional filings, the chancery clerk said.