VIENNA — Maries County Circuit Clerk and Recorder Mark Buschmann said his office again finished the fiscal year within its approved budget, continuing a nearly two-decade record of fiscal restraint while maintaining full services for the public.

Buschmann, who is completing almost 20 years  in office, said careful monitoring of expenditures has been key.

“I am currently finishing up my 19th year in the office of the circuit clerk and recorder. As far as I can remember I have never been over budget,” Buschmann said. “My office and I watch our budget very close.”

Buschmann noted that staffing structure plays a role in controlling costs. The office includes only one county employee, the deputy recorder, while Buschmann and two other clerks are state employees.

Throughout the year, the office relied on small but consistent cost-saving measures to stretch taxpayer dollars. Buschmann said those efforts increased after the county commission raised concerns earlier this year about a revenue shortfall.

“The circuit clerk and recorder’s office always watches our spending. We do not overspend,” he said. “We contribute in keeping costs down by using scrap paper for notepads, print all daily, weekly, and monthly reports on scrap paper, adjusting the thermostat by a degree or two to the County’s advantage and turning off lights when not in a room. These simple practices have impactful benefits for saving.”

Following the commission’s discussion about budget shortfalls early in the fiscal year, Buschmann said the office tightened spending further.

“When the commission met earlier this year to discuss the money shortfall, we tightened even more,” he said. “That means no new hires, and we do not use our budget for anything non-essential.”

Despite those constraints, Buschmann said services have not been reduced.

“We have not reduced services at all and we have learned to manage with what we have,” he said. “We have not ordered anything since the meeting with the commission.”

One area where costs continue to rise is postage, prompting the office to look for alternatives.

“Postage continues to go up,” Buschmann said. “We have made cuts to our USPS mailers where we can. We educate and encourage the electronic use of Missouri Case.net for court dates, judgments and other docket entries. Information is updated immediately for all parties involved in each individual case.”

Looking ahead to the next budget year, Buschmann said no major purchases are planned, though he cautioned that needs can change unexpectedly. He also explained how the county recorder’s technology expenses are offset through a lease and subscription arrangement.

“The county recorder’s hardware is on a lease program,” he said. “That lease consists of a computer, scanner, copier, receipt and label machines plus maintenance from iCounty. This comes with a price tag of over $10,000 per year. This essentially costs the county nothing.”

Buschmann said title companies, banks and independent researchers pay monthly subscription fees through iCounty to access Maries County records, covering the lease costs. In some years, the county has even received refunds for unused portions of the lease.

In closing, Buschmann emphasized that all county offices have an accountability to taxpayers and voiced concern that not all may be exercising the same level of restraint.

“We have to remember as office holders that this is not our money we are spending,” he said. “It is money from Maries County citizens and it needs to be spent wisely. When the commission asked us to cut back, I truly think most offices have done their part, but some continue to spend and have not made any cuts at all.”