SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Springfield, Ohio — Officials say Clark County's new phone system is not only more user-friendly, it will save the county thousands of dollars in annual costs.

The outdated phone systems — county buildings had six different ones, including three in the A.B. Graham Building alone — cost the county $144,166 a year, Information Systems Director Kim Deniston said after a county commission meeting Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The new system, which has been gradually installed over the last 15 months, will cost $88,808 a year and possibly $76,961 by the year 2010 if officials can continue to increase savings, Deniston said.

That's an annual savings of 38 percent and 46 percent over the old system costs, respectively.

The system has more user-friendly features, like Caller ID. Because the lines are now all included in one system, maintenance is easier as well, she said.

"I can do 90 percent of any changes needed right here at my desk," Deniston added.

Upgrading the system also allowed the county to eliminate extra lines that were not being used, which was more cost-effective, she said.

County officials applauded Deniston's efforts.

"So many times we have problems in the county, but sometimes we have great successes," Assistant County Administrator Nathan Kennedy said. "In my opinion, this is one of those times."

In other business, the commission tabled a resolution to increase an account spending limit from $10,000 to $20,000 for Department of Job and Family Services travel expenses.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.