Bates County Recorder Lucille Mundey attended the 2018 Recorders Association of Missouri’s Conference April 10 thru April 13, at the Holiday Inn Executive Center in Columbia, Missouri.
At the conference Lucille was able to talk with vendors and see the latest technology in software, microfilm, scanning, internet services and preservation of records.
At the conference Lucille was able to talk with vendors and see the latest technology in software, microfilm, scanning, internet services and preservation of records.
The conference included speakers on data security, active shooter training, e-signatures and e-notarization, history of Recorders Association of Missouri and its influence in legislation, retirement updates, and talking with other recorders regarding recording problems. A tour of the Warm Springs Ranch was a highlight of the conference. Warm Springs Ranch is where the Budweiser horses are bred. We were very fortunate to arrive the day after the birth of their latest foal.
One program Lucille found very interesting was disaster preparedness. Carter County’s courthouse was flooded last year and Recorder Pauline Peterman showed pictures of how devastating the waters were to her office and the whole courthouse. The Secretary of State’s Office helped the county rent a freezer trailer where all documents were immediately stored to prevent mold and damage. The process of taking the books, drying them out, and sending them to the State for digitization was very complicated and time-consuming. Unfortunately, that county did not have adequate backup and there was a lot of “down” time in getting the office back up and running.
One program Lucille found very interesting was disaster preparedness. Carter County’s courthouse was flooded last year and Recorder Pauline Peterman showed pictures of how devastating the waters were to her office and the whole courthouse. The Secretary of State’s Office helped the county rent a freezer trailer where all documents were immediately stored to prevent mold and damage. The process of taking the books, drying them out, and sending them to the State for digitization was very complicated and time-consuming. Unfortunately, that county did not have adequate backup and there was a lot of “down” time in getting the office back up and running.
Bates County residents should never have to worry about a flood at their courthouse, but it is comforting to know that all the records in the Bates County vault have been microfilmed with the original film stored with the State. The office is in the process of back-indexing and all records from 1976 to date have been scanned with copies stored off site. Should a disaster occur in Bates County, there should be very little “down” time.
From the desk of Bates County Recorder of Deeds Lucille Mundey
