Staff recommends Council approve the Payment of Claims

Claims in the amount of $6,483,189.58 have been reviewed and are presented for City Council payment approval.  A complete listing of the claims for the week are available in the Finance Department.  Payment Approval Process Every invoice for payment is entered into the City's accounting system and the backup documentation is scanned in and attached (physical invoices, additional e-mails explaining payments, bids, contracts, etc.). Each invoice goes through a multi-step approval process depending upon the amount of the payment. First, invoices are entered by the department requesting the payment and the department director or designee must perform an initial review and approval of the purchase.  The number of approvals within the department can vary based upon the size of the department, but no less than one approver within each department must verify the payment. Second, all payments, regardless of size, must be approved by the Purchasing Agent or designee. The Purchasing Agent will review the payment to ensure purchasing procedures are followed and appropriate documentation is attached. If the payment is greater than $1,000, then it must be approved by the Finance Director or designee. If that payment is greater than $10,000, then it must be approved by the City Administrator or Assistant City Administrator. Once all approvals are completed, the payment is able to be made and the Accounts Payable Clerk can print the check.  After all checks are printed, a list of all checks in excess of $2,500 is generated and placed on the next City Council meeting for review.

No other alternatives were analyzed.

Claims have a varying impact on department budgets, but are submitted by the departments and reviewed by Finance staff before being sent to the Council.