Pursuant to Section 935 of the California Government Code, any and all claims against the City for money or damages that are excepted from the requirements of Title 1, Division 3.6, Part 3, Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 900) and Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 910) of the California Government Code, and which are not expressly governed by any other statute or regulation, shall be governed by the procedures prescribed in this chapter.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
This chapter does not apply to the authority of the City Treasurer, the City Council, and other City officers to process and pay the just obligations of the City in the ordinary course of business, such as routine salaries and wages, principal and interest on bonds, payments for purchases, and other like expenditures for which there is an express budget appropriation and in connection with which there is no dispute as to the obligation and/or the amount payable.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
Any and all claims for money or damages shall be presented and considered in accordance with Title 1, Division 3.6, Part 3, Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 900) and Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 910) of the California Government Code.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
The City Council shall approve or reject claims only after such claims have been audited in the manner prescribed in this section.
A. 
Departmental Audit. Except for tort claims, every claim received against the City shall be first presented to and approved in writing by the receiving department or office, which shall certify the actual delivery or rendition of the supplies, materials, property, or service for which payment is claimed. The receiving department or office shall determine whether the quality and prices correspond with the original specifications and contracts, if any, upon which the claim is based, and whether the claim in all other respects is proper and valid. If the receiving department or office determines that the claim is proper and valid, it shall indicate the budgetary account to which said claim is to be charged.
B. 
Audit by City Manager. Each claim audited by the receiving department or office shall then be presented to the City Manager, who shall determine whether:
1. 
The claim is legally due and owing by the City;
2. 
There are budgeted or otherwise appropriated funds available to pay said claim;
3. 
The claim conforms to a valid requisition or order;
4. 
The prices and computations shown on the claim are verified;
5. 
The claim contains the approval of other departments and officials as required.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
Following the audit of claims, the City Manager shall prepare a register of audited claims showing the claimant's name, amount of claim, the warrant number and date thereof, and transmit said register to the City Council, with a recommendation of approval or denial. The City Manager shall attach to the register an affidavit certifying the accuracy of the claims and the availability of funds for payment thereof.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
The register of claims shall be presented to the City Council at the next meeting thereof. The City Council may by resolution approve, deny, or conditionally or partially approve or deny such register of claims.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
Following approval of the register of claims by the City Council, the Mayor and the City Manager shall endorse the register of audited claims to signify that the claims therein were properly processed prior to any action taken by the City Council.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)
A. 
Prepayment of claims prior to audit by the City Council may be made by the City Manager in conformance with the authority provided by Section 37208 the California Government Code.
B. 
Whenever the City Manager determines that a refund of fees, taxes, or other receipts collected in error or in advance of being earned is due, or that a refund of money is otherwise required pursuant to specific provisions of this Code or of any other ordinance of this City is due, then any such refund shall be deemed as conforming to the currently approved budget, and may be prepaid in the same as other demands encompassed within the terms of subsection A of this section.
(Ord. 08-05 § 1)