County launches urgent plan to digitize vital records

Young County is taking a significant step towards safeguarding its historical records by initiating a critical digitization project for its Deeds of Trust Records. During the recent Young County Commissioners Court meeting, Jack Morris, an accounting executive for Cofile, presented the plan aimed at digitizing 94 volumes of these essential documents, which date back to the late 1800s.

The urgency of this project was underscored by recent natural disasters affecting nearby areas, highlighting the vulnerability of physical records. Morris emphasized, “If catastrophe hits and these records are destroyed, you don’t have a backup.” The digitization initiative is designed to ensure that these vital records are preserved and accessible, even in the event of a disaster.

The project will be funded entirely through the county's archive fund, meaning it will not impact the general budget. The total cost for digitizing the first 94 volumes is estimated at $64,787.20. Morris noted that there are additional federal grants available that could help offset costs in future years.

While this digitization effort is a promising start, it also reveals a larger challenge: approximately 600 more volumes still need to be scanned. The county clerk's office will play a crucial role in this ongoing process, which aims to create a comprehensive digital archive of Young County's historical records.

The timeline for the initial phase is optimistic, with Morris stating that once the books are picked up for scanning, the images should be available within six months. This proactive approach not only preserves the county's history but also enhances public access to important documents, ensuring that Young County is better prepared for any unforeseen events in the future.