Collier Clerk of Courts, commissioners come to agreement in lawsuit

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – More than 3,000 unpaid invoices will now be taken care of after an agreement was reached between the Collier County Clerk of Courts and commissioners.

They tell WINK News, it’s a victory for the whole county.

“We believe the total amount owed is $5.6 million,” said Tim Durham, the executive manager of business operations in Collier County.

A court hearing scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. was cancelled after the two parties came to the agreement. The problem stems from a disagreement in the county’s purchasing ordinances. Vendors in Collier County will now be getting back money that was withheld by Clerk of Courts Dwight Brock.

Brock has been refusing to pay vendors unless the county showed specific board meetings where the money had been approved.

“The parties agreed, the clerk conceded and he has agreed to maintain the status quo, essentially what he’s been doing the last 15 years is what he will continue to do,” said County Commissioner Georgia Hiller.

Hiller says the board approves every tax dollar spent, but Brock made claims that vendors spending less than $50,000 were not getting the money approved.

The agreement the two parties came to on Thursday is not permanent, but the county is happy to be moving forward.

“The lawsuit is still ongoing, but of course we’re very happy from the county’s perspective that the vendors that have been inconvenienced and harmed by this will be paid,” Durham said.

WINK News reached out to Brock for a comment but have not heard back. A special meeting will be held next week to finalize the agreement. Trust WINK News for any developments.