Article XII — SEARCH AND RESCUE COSTS

Whenever the County of San Benito pays another county pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 26614.5 for the search and rescue expenses incurred by that county in the search of or rescue of a resident of San Benito County, the resident for whose benefit the search and rescue operation is conducted shall reimburse the County of San Benito the entire sum paid to the other county by San Benito County. (1966 Code, § 2-59) (Ord. 534, § 1(part))

Payment by the San Benito County resident to the County of San Benito is due 60 days after the County of San Benito pays the search and rescue expenses to another county. The Sheriff of the County of San Benito shall mail to the San Benito County resident an invoice detailing the expenses owed to San Benito County and informing the resident of his or her obligation to pay the same. (1966 Code, § 2-60) (Ord. 534, § 1(part))

A resident’s failure to pay any obligation within the time limits imposed by this article will result in the imposition of interest on the amount owed at the legal rate of 10% per year.

(1966 Code, § 2-61) (Ord. 534, § 1(part))

The County of San Benito may enforce the provisions of the preceding sections in this article by any civil remedy available under the law. Any judgment in favor of the County of San Benito may include, at the discretion of the trial court, an award of costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees and other appropriate damages. These damages may include the reasonable value and expenses incurred by the county staff to enforce this article, including all costs through judgment. Should the defendant prevail over the county in the enforcement action, this article does not authorize the award of costs or attorneys’ fees, both of which shall not be awarded, unless otherwise authorized by law. (1966 Code, § 2-62) (Ord. 534, § 1(part))