Notary fees at City Hall rise

Notary Public and Commissioner of Oath fees are on the rise at City Hall in Yorkton.

"The City of Yorkton has on staff a Notary Public and three Commissioner for Oaths. The intention of these appointments was for completion of documentation requirements for the City of Yorkton as needed," explained City Clerk Bonnie Schenher.

"However, we have been providing this service to the public as requested at a cost of $5.00 per signature for Commissioner for Oaths and $10.00 per signature for a Notary Public."

At the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday Administration recommended a few increase.

"We would like to increase our rates to $10.00 per signature for a Commissioner for Oaths and $30.00 per signature for a Notary Public," said Schenher.

Schenher said the increase was recommended as demand for service has increased, meaning greater time spent by City staff.

"Along with the influx of newcomers to Yorkton, there has been a dramatic increase for these services, especially to have documents notarized. There are at least two other businesses in town that provide this service at a cost of approximately $30.00 per signature. It is important that staff understand the documents they are signing and there have been a few occasions where due to the language barrier, we have refused to sign documentation," she said.

"It is beginning to take up a lot of staff time and the amount we are charging is not reflective of the time spent."

At the same time Schenher said there is an understanding such services are required, often by recent immigrant residents.

"However, the City is also aware that cost can be a detriment for some customers as many are employed at entry level jobs and we do not wish this to be a hardship for them," she said.

The increase for City staff-provided service was still needed, said Schenher.

The increases were unanimously supported by Council.