Annual Report of the Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller

CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES T he provisions of the florida constitution of 1838 established the Clerk of the Circuit Court as a Public Truste e, and set in place, at the county level, a system of “checks and balances” proven to serve the public for more than 175 years. The Office of the Clerk and Comptroller is governed by statutory authority in carrying out duties and functions, in accordance with law, related to record keeping, information management, and financial management for both the judicial system, and county government. The functions and duties of the Clerk and Comptroller vary from state to state. In Florida, specifically in Sarasota County, your Clerk and Comptroller serves as the Clerk of the Circuit and County Court, County Recorder, County Comptroller and Treasurer, County Auditor and Office of Inspector General, and Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. It is a privilege to serve as your Clerk and Comptroller, and as Public Trustee of Sarasota County. Karen E. Rushing Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller 1