F R O M T H E C L E R K O F C O U R T & C O M P T R O L L E R V i c t o r D. C r i s t –
H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y C l e r k o f C o u r t & C o m p t r o l l e r
operationalreformandtechnology improveefficiencyathillsborough Clerk’ soffice
ensuringthateverycourtroomisstaffedwithtrainedclerks improvesdocketmanagement, reducesdelays, andallowsjudges tofocusfullyontheirjudicialresponsibilities.
Artificial intelligence, fiscal discipline, and organizational restructuring are transforming operations at the Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’ s Office. After conducting a comprehensive review during my first year in office, we returned $ 1.15 million in unspent 2025 funds. In 2026, we reduced expenditures by 14 %($ 4.08 million), returning $ 2.04 million to taxpayers and reinvesting the remaining funds to strengthen employee support and improve services to the courts.
The review led to a broad reassessment of the Clerk’ s Office structure, contracts, and internal processes. We are currently evaluating existing contracts to determine which should be renegotiated or rebid to achieve additional cost savings. Further efficiency improvements are expected as this process continues.
Technology proved particularly valuable in the evaluation of banking services proposals. The Clerk’ s Office collaborated with a volunteer team from the University of South Florida Credit Union and used artificial intelligence tools to assist in reviewing lengthy and complex proposals. After human reviewers carefully verified all AI-generated scores, references and citations, the team produced a detailed 100-page analysis that informed my decision to change the county’ s banking vendor, and we expect to see significant cost savings through reduced banking fees.
Improved organizational culture and employee engagement were major priorities during my first year. Therefore, my office made an unusual move among government entities designed to empower employees. We adopted a“ servant leadership” structure, inverting the traditional organizational chart so that leadership focuses on supporting the nearly 700 employees who carry out the daily work of the office.
Our comprehensive review informed a strategic restructuring of operations. Although we have reduced the workforce by more than 7 %, approximately 50 positions, productivity has increased. Eliminating unnecessary tasks and services have better aligned the
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learn more about the clerk of court’ s services at hillsclerk. com
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