Palm Desert Municipal Code Ch. 3.12 Ordinary Claims and Demands

This chapter shall relate only to the authority of the director of finance, the city council, and other officers to process and pay, in the ordinary course of business, the just obligations of the city, 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 amount being payable. Salaries and wages are payable in the ordinary course of business without the procedures as set forth.

(Ord. 68 § 1, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

No payment shall be made from the city treasury or out of the funds of the city unless the demand which is to be paid is duly processed as prescribed in this chapter or by other provisions of law.

(Ord. 68 § 2, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

Claims against the city shall be paid on demands on the treasury as in this chapter provided on forms to be prescribed by the director of finance.

(Ord. 68 § 3, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

Every claim and demand received against the city shall be first presented to and approved in writing by the receiving department or office, which shall certify to the actual delivery or rendition of the supplies, materials, property or service for which payment is claimed; that the quality and prices correspond with the original specifications and contracts, if any, upon which the claim is based; that the demand in all other respects is proper and valid; and which shall further indicate the budgetary account to which the demand is to be charged.

(Ord. 68 § 4, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

Each demand approved by the receiving department or office shall be presented to the director of finance who shall satisfy himself whether:

A. The claim is legally due and owing by the city;

B. There are budgeted or otherwise appropriated funds available to pay the claim;

C. The claim conforms to a valid requisition or order;

D. The prices and computations shown on the claim are verified;

E. The claim contains the approval of other departments and officials as required.

(Ord. 68 § 5, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

Prepayment of demands prior to council consideration may be made by the director of finance with prior approval of the city manager and the mayor, in conformance with the authority provided by Section 37208 of the Government Code.

(Ord. 68 § 6, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

Following processing of demands the director of finance shall prepare a register of demands showing the claimants name, amount of demand, the warrant number and date thereof, and transmit the register to the city manager for his review and presentation to the city council, with his approval or other report.

(Ord. 68 § 7, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

The register of demands shall be presented to the city council at the next regular meeting thereof. The city council may by motion, order, or resolution approve, conditionally or partially ratify or reject such register of demands and, in connection therewith, consider the recommendations of the city manager.

(Ord. 68 § 8, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)

Prior to the ratification of the register of demands by the city council, the finance director shall endorse the register of demands to indicate that they have been processed and found to be correct. The city manager and the mayor shall endorse the register of demands to indicate that they have been examined and approved for payment prior to city council action.

(Ord. 68 § 9, 1975; Ord. 1009 § 1, 2002)