Chapter 3.03
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY

Sections:

3.03.010    Preparation of list of claims, demands and vouchers for council approval.

3.03.020    Payment of claims, demands and vouchers.

3.03.030    Claims for reimbursement for expenses of officers and employees.

3.03.040    Claims for damages to persons or property.

3.03.010 Preparation of list of claims, demands and vouchers for council approval.

The city finance director, or designee, shall prepare a list of all claims, demands and vouchers presented to the city for payment and shall present the same to the city council for approval. These claims shall be certified by each department director that the materials have been furnished, services rendered or labor performed as described and the claim, demand or voucher is a just, true and unpaid obligation against the city. (Ord. 2688 § 1, 2007)

3.03.020 Payment of claims, demands and vouchers.

A. Claims, demands or vouchers may be paid prior to city council approval if the following conditions are met:

1. The city manager, the finance director, and any designee authorized to sign the city checks shall each furnish an official bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in an amount determined by the city council, but not less than $50,000. A blanket fidelity bond applicable to such officials and employees in addition to others and in an amount not less than $50,000 shall be sufficient to meet this requirement;

2. The city council has adopted contracting, hiring, purchasing and disbursing policies that implement effective internal control;

3. The city council shall review all documentation supporting any claim, demand or voucher paid and for approval of all checks issued in payment of any claim, demand or voucher at its next regularly scheduled public meeting; and

4. If, upon review, the city council disapproves a claim, demand or voucher, the finance director shall cause the disapproved claim, demand or voucher to be recognized as a receivable of the city and shall direct city administration to pursue collection diligently until the amounts disapproved are collected or until the city council is satisfied and approves the claim, demand or voucher.

B. Notwithstanding the fact that all of the above conditions are met, the city council may stipulate that certain kinds or amounts of claims, demands or vouchers shall not be paid before the city council has reviewed the supporting documentation and approved the issue of checks in payment of those claims, demands or vouchers. (Ord. 2688 § 1, 2007)

3.03.030 Claims for reimbursement for expenses of officers and employees.

Claims for reimbursement of any expenditures by officers or employees of the city for transportation, lodging, meals or any other purpose shall be pursuant to city administrative policy. (Ord. 2688 § 1, 2007)

3.03.040 Claims for damages to persons or property.

Claims or demands for damages to persons or property shall be presented to the city in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 35A.31 RCW. (Ord. 2688 § 1, 2007)