Chapter 3.08
FISCAL PROCEDURES
Sections:
3.08.010 Bank checks – Issued when.
3.08.020 Bank checks – Drawn on official depository funds.
3.08.030 Bank checks – Validation requirements.
3.08.010 Bank checks – Issued when.
All claims or other obligations of the city which are payable out of solvent funds shall be paid by the issuance of bank checks or through electronic payment provided the electronic payment is either required by the vendor, is deemed prudent to ensure timeliness of payment, reduces the operating costs involved with issuing checks and/or prudent for best management of city cash flows; provided, that this section does not authorize any creditor to demand payment upon any obligation prior to its proof and normal maturity in due course. [Ord. 8-15 § 1, 2015; Ord. 287 § 1, 1979].
3.08.020 Bank checks – Drawn on official depository funds.
All checks or electronic payments shall be drawn on funds deposited with the Richland branch of Bank of the West. [Ord. 8-15 § 1, 2015; Ord. 15-99 § 2, 1999; Ord. 5-97 § 1, 1997; Ord. 2-88 § 2, 1988; Ord. 450 § 2, 1981; Ord. 398 § 1, 1980].
3.08.030 Bank checks – Validation requirements.
Two signatures shall be required to validate the checks herein authorized and the first signature shall be that of the mayor, or, in the mayor’s absence, the mayor pro tempore, and the second signature shall be that of the finance director, or, in the finance director’s absence, the city clerk. Electronic payments will be authorized by the finance director or his/her designee; provided, that the provisions of WRMC 3.08.040 through 3.08.070 are adhered to. [Ord. 8-15 § 1, 2015; Ord. 287 § 3, 1979].
3.08.040 Payment of claims.
The finance director may issue checks in payment of claims before the city council has acted to approve such claims, if such claims are paid in accordance with WRMC 3.08.060 and 3.08.070 and RCW 42.24.180. [Ord. 18-98 § 2, 1998].
3.08.050 Auditing officer.
The city council hereby appoints the finance director or his/her designee as the auditing officer. The auditing officer is required to perform all duties set forth in RCW 42.24.080, including the authentication and certification of claims against the city of West Richland. [Ord. 31-13 § 1, 2013].
3.08.060 Internal control.
Prior to the implementation of any program for the payment of claims prior to council approval, the city council shall adopt contracting, hiring, purchasing, and disbursing policies which implement effective internal control. [Ord. 18-98 § 4, 1998].
3.08.070 Review of payments.
After payments are made in accordance with WRMC 3.08.040:
A. The city council shall review the documentation supporting the claims paid at a regularly scheduled council meeting held within one month of the issuance of such payment; and
B. The city council shall require that if, upon review, the city council disapproves any claim(s), the auditing officer and the officer designated to sign the checks or warrants shall jointly cause the disapproved claim(s) to be recognized as receivables of the city and to pursue collection diligently until the amounts disapproved are collected or until the city council is satisfied and approves the claims. [Ord. 18-98 § 5, 1998].