Visalia Municipal Code Ch. 3.08 Demands and Claims Against the City

The provisions of this chapter recognize that the general claim procedure against local public agencies, including the city, is governed by the provisions of Chapter 1, of Division 3.6 of the California Government Code commencing with Section 900 and following. (Prior code § 1350)

Pursuant to the authority contained in Section 935 of the Government Code of the state of California, the city establishes the following claims procedure for those claims against the city for money or damages not now governed by state or local law.

A. Notwithstanding the exception contained in Section 905 (c) of the Government Code of the state of California, all claims by public officers or employees for fees, salaries, wages, overtime pay, and other expenses or allowances claimed due from the city, shall be presented within the time limitations and in the manner prescribed by Sections 9.10 through 915.2 of the Government Code of the state of California, and said claims shall further be subject to the provisions of Section 945.4 of said Government Code.

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection (A) of this section, and notwithstanding the exemption set forth in Section 905 of the Government Code of the state of California, all claims against the city for damages or money, when a procedure for processing such claim is not otherwise provided by state or local law, shall be presented within the time limitations and in the manner prescribed by Sections 910 through 9165.2 of the Government Code of the State of California, and said claims shall further be subject to the provisions of Section 945.4 of said Government Code. (Prior code § 1351)

The city manager and/or acting city manager of the city is authorized to approve payment of all claims against the city except those required by law to be approved by the council. (Prior code § 1352)

Facsimile signatures on checks, drafts or warrants of the city in lieu of personal signatures are authorized, except where personal signature is required as part of the claims approval procedure outline in Section 3.08.030. (Prior code § 1353)

At least two signatures shall be required on all checks, drafts, or warrants for and on behalf of the city; provided, however, that payroll checks may be issued in accordance with the terms of a contract which may be entered into with an outside agency for payroll services. (Prior code § 1354)

All officers and employees for the city shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred for transportation, meals, lodging and incidentals necessarily incurred in the performance of their official duties in addition to such compensation as is otherwise provided. In case of any doubt as to the necessity for the incurring of any expense, the city manager shall determine whether such necessity existed and may allow, reject or modify any claim or item or items thereof. (Prior code § 1355)

All expenses shall be audited and paid in accordance with the procedure established by the city manager. The city manager may prescribe and provide forms to be used in making such claims, and may require in any case receipts or other evidence of payment of the amounts claimed by the party entitled thereto. (Prior code § 1356)

The city manager shall have the authority to authorize the advance of budgeted funds to city officers and employees to cover estimated official expenses to be incurred in the performance of authorized travel. The payee shall account for the expenditures of said funds within ten days after the completion of said authorized travel and reimburse the city for any unexpended portion of the advance. (Prior code § 1357)