There is created and established a fund to be designated as "claims fund." Money shall be placed in the fund from time to time through transfers from other city funds containing appropriations in the annual budget and amendments thereto to meet expenditures relating to approved claims. Expenditures from the fund shall be made by the issuance of bank checks. Bank checks shall be drawn on the bank which is designated as the official city depository. Two signatures shall be required on all bank checks drawn against the claims fund in accordance with RCW 35A.12.170, one being the mayor and one being the finance director.
(Ord. 918 § 2, 1976; Ord. 1295 § 2, 1983; Ord. 3062 § 2, 2017)
In order to expedite the payment of claims and warrants, the city may issue checks or warrants in advance of city council approval, subject to the following conditions being met prior to payment:
(1) 
Each officer or employee designated to sign the checks or warrants shall be required to furnish an official bond for the faithful discharge of his or her duties in an amount not less than $50,000.
(2) 
The city council shall provide for its review of the documentation supporting claims paid and for its approval of all checks or warrants issued in payment of claims at a regularly scheduled public meeting within one month of issuance.
(3) 
In the event the city council shall disapprove any claim, the director of finance, mayor and city clerk shall jointly cause the disapproved claims to be recognized as receivables of the city and shall pursue collection diligently until said disapproved amounts are collected.
The following kinds or amounts of claims shall not be paid before the city council has reviewed and approved the checks or warrants in payment of those claims:
(a) 
Any claim which would require a budget amendment.
(b) 
Any claim in excess of an amount authorized for payment of matters pursuant to contract.
(c) 
Any claim or payment which is not in accordance with the city's policies for procurement of goods and/or services.
(Ord. 2229 § 1, 1999)