NASHVILLE (AP) - A state audit of the Davidson County clerk's office has found Clerk John Arriola required employees to collect a $40 fee to perform civil marriages.

The report issued Wednesday seems to rebut Arriola's claims to WTVF-TV that the money was a gratuity for his services (http://bit.ly/zfTOm2). The station's investigation led to a request by District Attorney Torry Johnson for the audit, conducted by the office of the state comptroller.

Auditors concluded employees did not advise people seeking to be married that the $40 was optional.

Arriola released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying he had just received a copy of the audit, had not had the chance to review it and would comment about it at the appropriate time.

In the clerk's office response to auditors, it was stated that no one who did not pay the fee was denied a ceremony.