In a Tuesday afternoon press release, Clymer said he found the error as he was reviewing financial data and Kentucky statutes related to his annual budget. He said his salary had been set at the rate paid to his predecessor, Michael Murphy, but it had been mis-calculated.
Clymer said he brought the matter to the McCracken County Fiscal Court and requested that they immediately reduce his salary by $14,311.30. He also asked the County Finance Department to make sure he's not overpaid for his first three months in office.
Here is Clymer's statement in its entirety:
In preparation for my first budgetary cycle as McCracken County Attorney, I have carefully reviewed past and present financial information pertaining to my new position. Additionally, I’ve researched the statutes, case law and Kentucky Constitutional sections relevant to my own compensation as County Attorney.
When I took office in January of 2015, my fiscal year 2014-2015 salary was already set at the rate my predecessor was paid. Through my analysis of financial data and Kentucky law setting the compensation rate of county attorneys, I have realized that the 2014-2015 fiscal year salary had been miscalculated prior to my taking office. Specifically, I learned that the annual salary allotted for the County Attorney was $14,311.30 more than it should be.
In furtherance of my policy of governmental transparency and fiscal responsibility, I immediately brought this miscalculation to the attention of the McCracken County Fiscal Court and requested that my annual salary be reduced by $14,311.30, effective immediately. Additionally I have spoken with the County Finance Department to ensure that the County has not overpaid me during my first 3 months in office.
I want to sincerely thank the members of the McCracken County Fiscal Court; Judge Executive Bob Leeper, and Commissioners Jerry Beyer, Scott Wathen and Bill Bartleman for assisting me in this matter and for their own commitment to ensuring the governmental prudence and fiscal responsibility that the citizens of McCracken County deserve. I look forward to working with these gentlemen to make your county the best it can possibly be.
