JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The former Clerk of Court is under fire for misusing taxpayer dollars.
New Clerk of Court Ronnie Fussel says he's had a lot to clean up in just the first month he's been in office. It started with $200,000 in salary increases for 30 employees, which the former clerk is defending.
"The majority didn't know received a raise," said Fussell.
"I saved money and I think my employees did a great job," said former clerk Jim Fuller.
Then, on his last day in office, Fuller made $140,000 worth of purchases. "He purchased needed equipment but it'd be appropriate under a different situation," said Fussell.
But it's $46,000 in legal fees from the clerks budget that has Fussell most upset. That's why he now has General Counsel looking in to why taxpayers money was spent.
Fuller was fighting term limits so he could run again for the office he's held for 12 years. In documents obtained by Action News, we found invoices and copies of checks paid to a private attorney to argue the case. Fuller maintains taxpayers money wasn't misused while he was in office
"The clerk hired an attorney for a constitutional issue, not Jim Fuller, the clerk of courts. I think it's very personal. I'm disappointed in Ronnie," said Fuller. "I came here with the utmost respect for him," responded Fussell.
The employees who received salary increases are losing them. Materials ordered were returned. As for the money on legal fees, Fussell says General Counsel will have to make that decision.
The new clerk says he has already made changes to policies because of this investigation.
