CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The Pickaway County Common Pleas Court is getting a major digital overhaul after being awarded a $140,000 state grant, Judge Matthew H. Chafin announced in a press release.
The funding comes via the FY26 Ohio Court Technology Grant, a program administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office designed to provide local courts with the financial resources needed to implement high-tech upgrades. The local grant was successfully secured through a targeted proposal authored by Court Administrator Deanna Reeser.
Out with the Old: Replacing 30-Year-Old Systems
The financial influx is timed to solve a pressing technological deficit inside the courthouse. According to court officials, the current jury management system has been in continuous operation for over three decades, and the bulk of the facility’s digital courtroom infrastructure has not been updated in more than ten years.
“We are grateful to receive this grant,” Court Administrator Deanna Reeser said. “This will remove communication barriers and improve courtroom efficiency.”
What the Funding Will Change
The $140,000 in state funding will completely phase out the legacy infrastructure, targeting two main areas of court operations:
- A New Jury Management System: The aging 30-year-old framework will be replaced with a modern, mobile-friendly portal designed specifically for jurors to streamline communication, scheduling, and onboarding.
- Digital Courtroom Overhaul: The funding will modernize evidence presentation methods, allowing legal teams to present digital evidence efficiently during active trials.
Judge Chafin noted that the technological upgrades are critical for legal compliance, ensuring that the Pickaway County Courthouse can seamlessly meet the modern accessibility standards required of 21st-century courtrooms.
“These funds will ensure the Court will operate at the highest standard,” Chafin stated.
The implementation of the new jury portal and the evidence presentation systems is expected to roll out over the fiscal year.
