[StBernard] Million Dollar plus surplus Clerk of Court Office

[Westley Annis]

>>Where do the funds go? --Cindy Meyers


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	"Heard a bit of info about the million dollar surplus ( reported
after Katrina as 1.3 mil) held by the Clerk of Court office from a long time
	parish attorney. Truth or fiction?
	
	This surplus is the sole entity of the clerk of courrt including all
computers, equipment, property that is inventory of the clerk's office and
	that if in fact a new clerk of court is elected these funds do not
stay with the elected office.  --	jdolese"

**Jill, I can believe that "assets" include office equipment (as I've
learned many years in Accounting 101). 

The problem that should be resolved in government/Clerk's office is being
lackadaisical in the purchasing department for these items. I've used the
computers. Minimal quality at best, and I am curious as to the cost for
these office items. Has anyone monitored the person responsible (name
withheld or omitted here) as to determine a fair value for the technology?
Which 3rd party was involved in the purchase? Was the Clerk of Court
included in the purchase or any safeguards met to assure no shady deals or
kickbacks were made? With no fail-safes in place, it's quite easy to see why
assets can be beefed up through the high cost of such an effort. The
purchasing manager may not be experienced in FMV (fair market value) and an
excellent purchase of equipment which can save the parish money. (this also
goes true for parish government and we're sure that Craig will change how
things get spent wisely or not when elected).

Believe, me. It's a miracle the department has computers at all, realizing
how they have fared this past decade. However, accountability for assets
must be met if the parish is going to keep its house in order and the Feds
away from bring shame and disgrace to the government and community. We'll
see at election time how and whether the parish voters view incumbents or
want a fresh and responsible portion of Clerk of Court and beyond. 

=--jer--=