JACKSON- State Auditor Stacey Pickering has recovered $71,115.41 on behalf of the taxpayers in Yazoo County following a thorough investigation into a fee cap violation against Noreene Girard, former Chancery Clerk in Yazoo County.

Auditors in the State Auditor’s County Audit Division discovered the exception during the Fiscal Year End September 30, 2007 audit and referred the case to the Investigations Division.

Records showed that Girard exceeded the fee cap by $115,963 for calendar year 2007. Girard repaid $49,500 leaving a remaining balance of $66,463. A demand was issued against Girard on February 26, 2009.

“Auditors in the County Audit Division discovered this violation during a routine audit,” said State Auditor Stacey Pickering. “This case should serve as a reminder to all elected officials that are paid through the fee system that there are laws that govern how fees are collected and used, and the State Auditor’s Technical Assistance Division is available to help with any questions to ensure you are using that system properly. Auditors are trained to look for violations such as exceeding the fee cap, and no one is above the law.”

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