Chapter 3.05
PAYMENT OF CLAIMS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS
Sections:
3.05.010 Authority to issue checks.
3.05.020 References to warrants to include checks.
3.05.030 Voucher review committee – Delegation of authority.
3.05.040 Preparation of voucher list for approval by city council.
3.05.050 Issuance of checks before approval by city council.
3.05.060 Disapproval by city council.
3.05.010 Authority to issue checks.
Pursuant to RCW 35A.40.020, the city authorizes the payment of claims or other obligations of the city of Fife by check to be drawn upon a qualified public depository. The city manager or his/her designee, and the finance director-treasurer or his/her designee, are hereby authorized to sign such checks. Pursuant to RCW 35A.40.020, no check shall be issued by the city when the applicable fund is not solvent at the time payment is ordered. (Ord. 1746 § 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1601-06 § 1, 2006).
3.05.020 References to warrants to include checks.
Except when inconsistent with the specific provisions of any city code, ordinance, or resolution, all references to warrants as a form of payment, as currently contained in any other provision of city code, ordinance, or resolution, shall be understood to refer to checks. (Ord. 1601-06 § 1, 2006).
3.05.030 Voucher review committee – Delegation of authority.
In those instances where the city council has cancelled a regular council meeting, the voucher review committee shall have the authority to approve and authorize, without council approval, the payment of vouchers that would otherwise have been considered for approval by the council at the regular council meeting had the meeting not been cancelled. Meetings of the voucher review committee to approve and authorize payment of vouchers under this section shall be open to the public and subject to the Open Public Meetings Act. (Ord. 1922 § 1, 2015).
3.05.040 Preparation of voucher list for approval by city council.
The finance department shall prepare a report listing all vouchers, claims and demands for review and audit by the city council. The report will be certified by the finance director that the materials have been furnished, services rendered or the labor performed as described, or that any advance payment is due and payable pursuant to a contract or is available as an option for full payment or partial fulfillment of a contractual obligation, and that the voucher, claim, or demand is a just, due and unpaid obligation of the city. (Ord. 2055 § 1, 2021).
3.05.050 Issuance of checks before approval by city council.
Pursuant to RCW 42.24.180, the city council, after audit by the auditing officer, authorizes the early issuance and release of checks for payment of claims, bills, invoices and other demands or obligations before formal approval by the city council for the purposes of avoiding late fees and penalties, avoiding the disruption of service or delivery of goods or services, taking advantage of early payment discounts, complying with obligations established by previously approved legally binding agreements, reimbursing employees for work-related purchases that cannot be charged to the city credit card, and paying such other transactions that require immediate remittance necessary for the ongoing efficient operation and affairs of the city government. The auditing officer shall cause to be submitted to the city council for approval a listing of all such checks or warrants issued in payment of claims at a regularly scheduled public meeting within one month of issuance. (Ord. 2055 § 2, 2021).
3.05.060 Disapproval by city council.
If, upon review, the city council shall disapprove any such claim, obligation or voucher, the officers of the city who are designated by statute to sign the checks shall jointly cause the disapproved claims to be recognized as receivables of the city of Fife and shall pursue collection diligently until the amounts disapproved are collected or until the city council is satisfied and approves the claims. (Ord. 2055 § 3, 2021).