Theresa Klebba still is a Cole County circuit clerk's employee, special Judge Robert Schollmeyer ruled this month.
And Circuit Clerk Brenda Umstattd owes Klebba $2,154.76 in attorney's fees and court costs, the judge said in an 11-page order dated Jan. 9, 2012.
But, Umstattd said Thursday, Klebba remains on paid leave, pending the disposition of a grand jury's criminal indictment charging Klebba with stealing at least $500 while working in the office, from July 1, 2010-July 1, 2011.
Although elected by county voters, the circuit clerk and her office's employees are state employees, in the judicial branch of government. And, following procedures established by the Missouri Supreme Court, Klebba appealed her firing to a "dismissal review committee" comprised of three judges.