NATCHEZ — By the end of September, a new accounting system will be implemented in every department in the city, City Clerk Donnie Holloway said.

“The goal is to link all departments of the city to the account server to eliminate paperwork and (ultimately) go somewhat paperless,” Deputy City Clerk Diane Holland said.

Springbrook, the new accounting software program, allows for instant feedback when costs and revenues are entered into the system, Holland said. It’s real time accounting, she said, and it could be likened to online banking with a debit card.

“It makes information for the (board of aldermen) available quicker,” Holloway said. “It’s better for the overall budgeting process.”

The system Springbrook replaced was nearly 20 years old, he said, and figures had to be entered in bulk instead of singularly, like they can be now. With the old system, information about expenses and revenues was only available monthly.

Five core users, including representatives from IT and the city clerk’s office, began learning the Springbrook system June 1-2 after it was installed May 11-12, Holloway said. Onsite training for city officials should begin July 19-22 and Aug. 16-19.

Expenditures for Springbrook will total $130,000 to $140,000, Holloway said, but that amount won’t all be paid right away.

“We get the first two years interest free,” he said. “We’ve paid about 12 or 15 (months’ cost) already.”

Payments are approximately $4,000 per month.

When the first 24 months have passed, he said, the interest rate will be approximately 5 or 6 percent per month for the remaining balance.

“It’s a very good (price) for what we’ve gotten,” Holloway said.