New streaming media software will allow Denton County to cut out some of the hassle of reviewing Commissioners Court proceedings.

Granicus Inc. is providing software that will enable viewers to zero in on specific agenda items without having to scan through other recorded meeting footage first.

This program allows county officials to index and timestamp the video as it’s being captured, said County Clerk Cynthia Mitchell. Once complete, a department head or interested resident who wants to view an agenda item can click on it and see video of the item’s relevant discussion and action taken.

“It’s a huge benefit over the way you have to review tapes now,” Mitchell said. “Before, you have to fast forward and if you go too far, you have to go back. It’s this constant game and back-and-forth.”

The process will speed up production of minutes packages the county is required by law to provide, she said.

Mitchell said there is a high demand for court meeting reviews from residents, employees and lawyers concerning formal actions, questions surrounding a lawsuit and research for contracts, purchases, budget items and bonds.

“We have a lot of requests, and I know our Web site is hit a lot for that information,” she said.

County Judge Mary Horn recalled times where the court has needed to refer to past meetings to see what was said on certain agenda items.

“Instead of listening all the way through the video, it’s nice to be able to just click on it,” she said. “It’s a timesaver. It’s great to have that clarity at your fingertips.”

The software will go live July 21 at the next regular meeting.

BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com .