Thursday, October 1, 2026
Democratic lawmakers in Nassau County are calling for the immediate action of what they describe as “outrageous” and unlawful county clerk fees, saying residents are being charged hundreds of dollars for routine filings despite court rulings ordering the County to scale the costs back.
Debra Mulé and fellow Democratic members of the Nassau County Legislature highlighted cases in which homeowners were billed more than $600 for basic paperwork — fees they say far exceed what is charged in other counties in New York State and violate recent court directives.
“Six hundred and twenty dollars to file two pieces of paperwork is outrageous,” she said, on Feb. 18 in Mineola. “The courts have ruled portions of these excessive and unconstitutional; the county was ordered to reset them. However, residents are still being charged hundreds.”
Mulé described one case in which a homeowner was required to pay $270 for “tax map verification” and $350.50 to record mortgage satisfaction — a combined $620.50. She noted that similar filings cost roughly $45 to $60 in most other New York counties.
“When you pay off your mortgage, you shouldn’t have to take out another loan to pay the County Clerk,” she said. “It’s not controversial — it’s common sense.”
Mulé said Democratic lawmakers are introducing two pieces of legislation to address the issue and comply with the court’s directive.
“One will reduce the fee on tax map verification, and the other is to reduce the fee on recording mortgage satisfaction,” she said. “Let’s get this done.”
She added that even the County Clerk Maureen O’Connell has previously expressed opposition to fee increases, and said the responsibility now lies with County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “I’m standing here with a solution. The ball is now in your court, County Executive,” Mulé said.
County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said the Democratic caucus originally voted against the fee hikes and has been raising concerns since a 2023 court ruling found that portions of the charges were excessive and unconstitutional.
“There’s a very good possibility we will have to return that funding,” she said, referring to revenue generated by the fees. “It’s residents like this who have to come up here because they’re so upset. It shows how many people are upset about it.”
John Salazzo, a Freeport homeowner, said he was stunned to learn he owed $620 to process mortgage paperwork. “Six hundred and twenty dollars to do what?,” he asked.
Michael Mulqueen, an Oceanside resident of more than 40 years, called the situation “mind-boggling,” saying he was required to pay both a recording fee and a separate tax map verification fee.
County Legislator Carrie Solages placed the issue in the context of rising living costs.
“We are in the middle of an affordability crisis,” he said, noting that certain mortgage-related fees jumped from half a percent to three percent in 2025 alone.
Democratic lawmakers said they plan to move forward with their legislation in the coming weeks, arguing that the county should move quickly to bring its fee structure in line with state standards and comply with the court’s decision.
As of press time, County Executive Bruce Blakeman has yet to comment.
