ATTLEBORO -- In a move city officials say will help long-term efforts to revitalize downtown, Bristol County commissioners approved plans Tuesday for a full-service registry of deeds in the former post office building on Park Street.

The 3-0 vote paves the way for registry operations to begin in the summer.

City councilors still must approve the plans, which have been pushed for months by Mayor Kevin Dumas and David Simas, the register of deeds for the northern district of Bristol County, but there seems to be little resistance.

Dumas said Tuesday he feels confident there won't be any problem at the city level.

`` There's no overwhelming negative feeling about it,'' he said. `` I think (councilors) are happy that the building will be put to use again.'' Dumas said the move benefits the city and the county.

`` This is really a win for the city and win for the county,'' he said. `` It's an incredible boost that will bring people downtown, and it will better serve the needs of people in the area who are transferring property.''

About 55 percent of the business transacted at the main registry in Taunton comes from Attleboro, North Attleboro, Mansfield and Seekonk.

Opening an Attleboro branch will benefit the city financially with rental income of about $30,000 a year, Dumas said.

City Council President Barry LaCasse said he will push for approval by the council.

`` It's a big plus for downtown. Not only is it going to help a building that needs renovations, but it will also create a tremendous amount of foot traffic downtown,'' LaCasse said. `` I support it.''

Simas estimates up to 75 people a day will transact business in the branch office, which adds up to 1,500 people a month.

Registry operations will occupy most of the first floor of the building, which has been vacant since it was acquired early in the administration of former Mayor Judith Robbins.

Simas said he plans to sink about $100,000 worth of work into the building starting April 1.

The branch could open as soon as July 1, he said. If there are construction delays, however, the opening could be pushed to August or September. Simas told the commission his intent is to operate the facility using his current budget supplemented by fees charged for services on the registry's Web site. His goal is to avoid seeking more taxpayer money.

`` We have to reflect that the government isn't a bottomless pit of money, and that is what I intend to do,'' he said.

Internet services have generated about $80,000 a year and increased service will add more revenue in coming years, he said.

The registry has a taxpayer-funded budget of about $922,000 a year.

Commissioners approved a five-year lease, but added conditions which limit the county's financial obligation.

They granted a $36,000 appropriation out the county budget for start-up costs, which could be renewed next year. The need for the money will be reviewed every year.

Commissioners suggested that once the branch is up and running, the registry should consider repaying the county.

Chairwoman Maria Lopes said declining home sales and other economic indicators suggest hard times are on the way, which makes her nervous about the move. The county can't afford to prop up the branch with a bigger annual appropriation if financing plans fall through, she said.

`` The economy is not bad right now, but it will be and I'm concerned,'' she said.

But Lopes voted in favor of the lease, acknowledging that a branch is needed.

Simas said the branch office will improve service, provide sorely needed storage capacity and a backup computer records system.

`` This is very important for the registry; it will resolve a lot of problems that I have,'' he said.

No new employees will be hired to run the branch. New computer technology allows fewer employees to do more, Simas said.

Assistant register of deeds Barry Amaral will be in charge of the Attleboro branch.