Indian River’s Clerk Jeff Barton 'Fires' Himself For Employees

Gov. Rick Scott has promoted Jeffrey Smith to the position of Indian River County clerk of the court as Jeffrey Barton has resigned six months before the end of his term.

Barton, who was due to be replaced by Smith in January, told TCPalm.com that he fired himself as a means to keep five employees from being laid off.

"I've worked too hard in 23 years finding good people to see them go, so in a sense, I fired myself instead," Barton told TCPalm.com

The move saves the county half of Bartons $116,853-a-year salary, while Smith says he isnt going to fill his old position that paid $85,000 a year.

Smith, who was the only candidate to qualify for the seat in June, has been chief deputy of the clerks office since 2009. He had previously been with the county tax collectors office.