BLOOMINGTON - An overtime claim filed against McLean County Clerk Peggy Ann Milton by a former employee has been rejected by the Illinois Department of Labor, but at least one harassment claim remains pending against her.

Betsy Cowan, a former clerk in Milton's office, confirmed Tuesday that her claim for $3,000 in overtime pay has been denied.

Cowan filed a complaint in August seeking compensation for "scheduled staff meetings and overtime worked."

The state's decision did not take into account records of after-hours staff meetings, said Cowan.

"There's no doubt we didn't get paid for the staff meetings. It's just that simple. It really needs to be looked into further," said Cowan.

The former employee worked in Milton's office between June 4, 2001, and March 18, 2007.

Cowan was among the workers who testified at a trial last August into charges that Milton misused county-issued stamps and ordered workers to take her children home. A jury acquitted Milton on theft and official misconduct charges.

Bloomington attorney Jason Chambers, who was appointed by the court to represent Milton in three employment related matters, said he was pleased with the labor department's decision.

Chambers said representatives from the labor department reviewed Milton's books on Monday and "determined everyone was paid properly."

"The office records are impeccable," he said.

While a decision has been reached on Cowan's claim, Milton still faces complaints from her former chief deputy, Maria Pascua. In addition to a harassment complaint filed with county officials Sept. 22, Pascua told The Pantagraph Tuesday that she has submitted complaints with the state labor board and human rights commission.

The labor claim deals with overtime pay and the human rights allegations involve harassment and hostile work environment claims, said Pascua.

Pascua said the documents were mailed to the state agencies Friday. Their receipt could not be confirmed Tuesday.

Chambers said he could not comment on the new complaints until he has a chance to see them. But he does question the goal of a county investigation into Pascua's harassment complaint.

The McLean County Board hired Illinois Wesleyan University's business department chairman, Robert Kearney, to investigate Pascua's allegations.

"I understand the county wants to investigate and determine if there is wrong doing but I question what the ultimate goal is," Chambers said. "The county has no authority over elected officials. This is a waste of taxpayers' money."

Chambers said the county's ordinance on harassment does not give it jurisdiction over elected officials.

The attorney said he and Milton are willing to make statements in the Kearney probe, but there is a question about the manner in which the interviews will be conducted.