2.95.080 Small claims collections.

(A)    County officials, department heads, or their designees shall have the authority to pursue, collect and/or defend monetary claims within the jurisdiction of small claims court, provided such department shall contact and coordinate such claim with the risk manager.

(B)    The risk manager will coordinate with all county officials, department heads, or their designees, to defend the county in small claims actions alleging tortious conduct on behalf of the county, an agent or employee of the county acting within the scope of employment. Advice can be requested of the prosecuting attorney’s office.

(C)    The risk manager may, at his/her sole discretion, pursue, collect, or defend the monetary claims in small claims court.

(D)    County officials, department heads, or their designees are authorized, upon being awarded a judgment in favor of the county in small claims court, to employ a collection agency for services to collect and/or execute on said judgment.

(E)    The risk manager shall be responsible for maintaining records of each and every claim pursued, collected or defended. These records shall include detailed information as to the nature and amount of the claim, the official or department head responsible for its collection or defense, the individual who appeared in court on behalf of the county, and the disposition of the action. (Sec. 7 of Ord. 1987-07-27; amended by Sec. 6 of Ord. 1991-11-30; amended by Sec. 6 of Ord. 2008-01-17)