2019 IMPACT Report - Sarasota County, Florida

SarasotaClerk.com 5 THE ROLE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT AND COUNTY COMPTROLLER T he Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office was established in 1838 as a Public Trustee 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. Functions and duties vary from state to state. In Florida, specifically in Sarasota County, your Clerk and Comptroller serves as: 1. Clerk of the Circuit and County Court 2. County Recorder 3. County Comptroller and Treasurer 4. County Auditor and Office of Inspector General 5. Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners RESPONSIBILITIES AS COUNTY COMPTROLLER INCLUDE: Accounting Services – Monitor the County budget, revenue, debt, and spending. Pay County bills, maintain financial records, facilitate the County’s financial audit and produce requisite financial statements and reports. Treasurer – Manage the County investment portfolio to maximize investment earnings, while ensuring that tax dollars are protected. Auditor – Conduct independent risk-based financial audits and audit County expenditures. SERVING YOU As your independently elected Comptroller, one of the most important duties is to provide clear, concise information about County revenue and spending. The Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners makes available meeting minutes linked to videos of Board meetings. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The Clerk of the Circuit and County Court derives authority from the Florida State Constitution and Florida Law, and is responsible for aiding and promoting the judicial process. The County Recorder , sometimes known as the Register of Deeds, is responsible for creating the permanent record of all mortgages, deeds and other documents having an effect on real property. This responsibility, known as recording, includes collecting state taxes and recording of liens. In addition to these responsibilities, the office issues marriage licenses, performs weddings, and serves as an acceptance agent for the U.S. Department of State of the issuance of passports. The County Comptroller and Treasurer account for the County’s financial resources, prepares and publishes the Sarasota County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and invests County funds. As a service to the community, the Comptroller publishes other County Financial documents, including the Consolidated Major Revenue Report and the IMPACT Report. The County Internal Auditor and Office of Inspector General establishes compliance testing with internal controls, prioritized with use of a risk assessment tool. Fraud complaints are received through various means, including a fraud hotline. Investigations are conducted as a priority over audits. The Ex-Officio Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners serves as the custodian of the Board’s records and the official minutes taker of commission and other board committee meetings, as designated. As the Custodian of official board records, the Clerk has custody of the official seal and administers it according to the law.