Callaway County has joined the Local Government Checkbook, which will make their spending data available to Missourians.
In 2020, Missouri State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick expanded the Show-Me Checkbook, which launched in 2018, to include local governments as well. The Checkbook is to help keep the government more efficient and transparent.
“As treasurer, I will always strive to improve transparency because I want Missourians to trust that their government is working for them and their tax dollars are being spent wisely,” Fitzpatrick said. “Increased transparency helps facilitate that trust. I am grateful to county leaders like Auditor (Karen) Rentschler, who are voluntarily participating. I hope more county leaders will join in and participate in the Local Government Checkbook.”
Spending data from 13 local governments, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cass, Clay, Cole, Franklin, Greene, Jasper, Newton, St. Charles and Vernon counties, and the City of St. Louis, can be searched.
“Callaway County is pleased to join the Local Government Checkbook,” Rentschler, Callaway County auditor, said. “Making this data available to our citizens holds us accountable and helps build trust between government and citizens. I hope this also encourages further participation and greater understanding of local government spending.”
Checkbook visitors can examine expenditure data detailing funds, departments, vendors, payment descriptions and totals for the available government entities.