The state of Alaska has spent almost $300,000 investigating ethics complaints against Gov. Sarah Palin or her staff.

The $296,042 tab reflects 13 cases resolved by the Alaska Personnel Board with no findings of wrongdoing, although one complaint led to Palin's agreement to reimburse the state about $8,100 for costs associated with trips taken with her children. The amount was the result of a public records request made by the Juneau Empire.

State Personnel Director Nicki Neal says some of the largest bill - nearly $188,000 - reflects the investigation into Palin's firing of a public safety commissioner who believed he was terminated over his refusal to dismiss a state trooper involved in a messy divorce with the governor's sister.

That probe was prompted by a "self disclosure" filed by Palin.