NOLA Clerks Turn To Internet to Boost Public Records Revenue

Faced with a slumping real estate market, more Louisiana clerks of court are moving public records to the Internet, both as a convenience and a way to shore up their bottom lines.

"It's expensive to do, but I'm hoping it generates a little revenue," said St. Charles Parish Clerk Charles Oubre, who plans to have court records online by September.

Parish clerks' offices are financed entirely by fees levied on legal transactions such as civil suits and real estate transfers. Many clerks have had to dip into surpluses to continue operating.

Read more here.