Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/97647
Sarasota News Leader December 7, 2012 Page 20 "I think this represents a very good settlement "In my opinion, there aren't many other jurisand resolves the litigation that I brought," dictions that are so fortunate as to recover Rushing added. monies that were lost in the financial meltThe county's general fund was made whole down of 2008," DeMarsh added. from other county accounts after the losses were recorded in 2009, she said. As a result, the settlement money was being returned to those other county funds according to the appropriate percentages, Rushing noted. Deputy County Attorney Frederick "Rick" Elbrecht told The Sarasota News Leader the settlement agreement was signed on Nov. 9; the payment was received by the county on Nov. 19. The commissioners later asked Clayton to step to the podium in their chambers in the R.L. Anderson Administration Center in Venice so they could thank him publicly. DeMarsh pointed to the significance of a local attorney having the expertise to work with the County Attorney's Office on the case. He further noted Clayton's dedication to whatever project Clayton undertakes, adding that Rushing said her staff was preparing proposed the attorney did not allow a flat tire on his amendments and an ordinance regarding the drive to Venice to keep him from making it to county's investment policy; she will bring the meeting. those before the County Commission when The commissioners also thanked Clayton for they are completed. his efforts. Rushing commended both County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh and Elbrecht, as well as During the discussion, Commissioner Nora lead counsel Andrew "Drew" Clayton Jr. of the Patterson said she did not recall all the inClayton Law Firm in Sarasota, for their work vestment money having come from the genwith her on the lawsuit. "It takes a very tal- eral fund, though she deferred to Rushing's ented team to achieve the results that we did, account of the circumstances. and I wanted to thank them publicly for their Rushing agreed to meet later with Patterson support and their guidance," Rushing said. to explain the "methodology accounting for "Thank you for your work on this," Chairwom- the funds." Rushing added, "The general fund an Christine Robinson told DeMarsh. was made whole completely and then some." DeMarsh took the opportunity to point out that Clayton "was On one other related note: instrumental in getting the reRushing told the commissioncovery that was achieved." Alers the county's portfolio from though Elbrecht and the staff 2008 through Dec. 4 had earned of the County Attorney's Office $161 million. "did a lot of in-house discovery," Clayton was the principal Editor's note: City Editor Stan attorney in the case, DeMarsh Zimmerman contributed to Karen Rushing/Contributed this story. % said.