By JIM BUTLER

The Clerk of Court’s office ended its most recent fiscal year with a discretionary General Fund balance of $7.5 million, an increase of $300,000 over the previous year.

That came despite receiving $400,000 less revenue and having $400,000 more expense than in the prior year, according to the audit.

The audit report for the year ending June 30, 2023 was released last week.

While that General Fund balance is available for use, the report does note liabilities, such as long-term pension obligations, create a net position of $505,000 with about $124,000 unrestricted.

Auditors report the General Fund had revenue of $4.5 million and judicial expenses of $4.1 million.

Recording and legal filing fees accounted for $3.7 million revenue.

Personnel services and benefits totaled $3.5 million of the expenses and office/administrative costs were $582,000.

Clerk of Court Robin Hooter’s salary was $114,646 plus supplemental pay of $25,800. Her benefits included auto allowance of $10,424 and expense allowance of $14,847, the audit notes.