The digitalization of court records has proven cost-effective for Callaway County.
Since the implementation of electronic filing, or "e-filing," at the Callaway County Courthouse, the move away from paper has saved the county $10,500 in office supplies and $2,000 in storage costs, according to county court clerk Judy Groner.
The courthouse went live with e-filing on Oct. 22, 2012, after being selected as a pilot project for small counties. St. Charles County was chosen among the large counties. Groner said Callaway's size and proximity to Jefferson City made it the right choice as the pilot.
Callaway County also saw a savings in equipment - scanners, monitors and computers - because the state gave those tools to the county when it was chosen as the system tester.
Groner said she's been pleased with the e-filing system as she's seen a increase in efficiency and a decrease in foot traffic. Other counties have used Callaway County as an example to follow, Groner said.
"It was really exciting," Groner said. "It was a lot of work to get ready but we've seen, it's huge difference to our office in the way we function and how we've been able to stay current in filings so that's amazing, but seeing the actual figures that's even better."
Aside from her office, Groner added that judges and attorneys are more readily accessing important case information. Judges can enter information in the courtroom. Attorneys with a bar number are sent e-notices and can track every step of their cases through the judicial and paperwork system.
The county will not see a savings in terms of employment because all court clerk employees are hired through the state.