Q. As you reflect on the past year, what are some highlights from the clerk’s office you can share?
A. As we close out the year, I would like to take a moment to share some of the many accomplishments our office achieved in 2023. Our team of deputy clerks work hard to fulfill our mission while providing world-class customer service to residents and our judicial and county partners. Some quick statistics to share: Through December 2023, our office issued 2,236 marriage licenses, performed 1,673 marriage ceremonies, processed over 13,000 passport applications, and registered approximately 14,000 residents to receive property fraud alerts. The Criminal Department processed 2,600 warrants and created 8,195 cases. Jury Coordinators issued 7,105 jury summonses with a roughly 85 percent response rate. Our comptroller’s office processed more than 52,100 invoices. And this is just a glimpse of our efforts as our office performs more than 1,000 different duties and functions.
Q. What has the clerk’s office done over the past year to ensure transparency and accountability?
A. We have invested heavily in our internal auditor function. In 2023, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received a funding increase from the county, added four additional full-time employees, and obtained a comprehensive case management system. The OIG also entered into an agreement with the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation to pursue accreditation. This year the OIG intake unit received 30 fraud, waste, and abuse complaints and closed 26 of them, plus finalized two audits and three audit follow-ups. We are excited about the great team being built and look forward to them continuing to promote transparency and accountability in 2024.
Q. What are your plans for the coming year?
A. We will continue to seek ways to protect taxpayer dollars and lower the barriers and burdens for residents to access our services in 2024. You are my and our boss, and it is very important to me that your time is not wasted due to inefficient processes. We have some great initiatives being rolled out in 2024 that will lower the time burden required to get things done at our office.
Q. How do people get in touch with you?
A. Residents can call my office at (904) 819-3601 or my cell at (904) 599-8688. My email address is BPatty@stjohnsclerk.com. Many of your questions can be answered and many services are provided, such as paying traffic citations or searching records, by visiting our website, www.stjohnsclerk.com.
