Chapter 3.12
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
Sections:
3.12.020 Authentication/certification of claims.
3.12.010 Auditing officer.
The position of auditing officer is established to review and facilitate the payment of claims against the city. The finance director, or his/her designee, is named as the auditing officer for the city of Sequim. This chapter does not apply to any alleged tort claims. (Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2009-017; Ord. 2002-005 § 1)
3.12.020 Authentication/certification of claims.
Upon a satisfactory review that a claim against the city is valid, the auditing officer shall certify that the claim is a just, due and unpaid obligation against the city on a form and in the manner prescribed by the State Auditor. No claim shall be paid without such authentication and certification. (Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2009-017; Ord. 2002-005 § 2)
3.12.030 Bond required.
A. The auditing officer and the officer designated to sign the checks or warrants shall each be required to furnish an official bond for the faithful discharge of his/her duties in an amount of at least $50,000.
B. A policy of insurance covering honest and faithful performance and insuring against the same perils as a bond may be utilized in lieu of any such bond. All such bonds or insurance policies in lieu of bonds shall be approved by the city attorney as to form. (Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2009-017; Ord. 2002-005 § 3)
3.12.040 Policies adopted.
The legislative body has adopted contracting, hiring, purchasing, and disbursing policies that implement effective internal control. These policies are adopted under separate ordinance (Ordinance No. 2002-006, codified at Chapter 3.14 SMC). (Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2009-017; Ord. 2002-005 § 4)
3.12.050 Finance committee.
A. There is hereby created a finance committee consisting of three members of the city council, which members shall be appointed annually by the mayor of the city of Sequim.
B. At least two of the finance committee members shall review the documentation supporting claims paid and recommend approval before the city council at its next regularly scheduled public meeting within one month of issuance.
C. The finance committee shall require that if, upon review, it disapproves a claim, the auditing officer and the officer designated to sign the checks or warrants shall jointly cause the disapproved claims 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 claim. (Ord. 2009-036 § 1; Ord. 2009-017; Ord. 2002-005 § 5)