(A) The Finance Executive shall examine all payrolls, vouchers and bills and other claims and demands against the City and shall not issue a warrant for payment thereof, unless he has found by diligent investigation that the claim is in proper form, correctly computed and duly approved; that it is justly and legally due and payable, and that it is accompanied by the certification of a responsible official of the department concerned that the goods and services listed therein were actually received. He may require a statement in writing under oath as to any fact or matter concerning the justness or correctness of any such bill or claim. If he finds the claim to be fraudulent, erroneous, or otherwise invalid, he shall refuse to authorize the payment of same and shall make immediate report of the circumstances to the City Manager.
(B) The Finance Executive shall, immediately preceding each regular monthly meeting of the Council, prepare a warrant on the Treasurer for the payment of all sums due from the City, listing each item and the fund out of which it is payable; which warrant, when properly signed by the Mayor and Clerk, shall authorize the issuance of a voucher or check as provided by law for the payment of each item. No item shall be included in such warrant unless it has been authorized by the Council.
(C) (1) A list of all items to be paid shall be submitted to the Mayor for his signature. Such list shall contain the statement of the Finance Executive and of the City Manager to the effect that all items contained herein are proper expenses due from the City for services performed or materials furnished to the City.
(2) Approval of such list of items to be paid by the Council on a roll call vote shall constitute the Council’s approval of the payment of all expenses listed thereon; provided that the Council may in the motion to approve payment, except specific items from such approval, in which case such items shall not be paid. Notwithstanding any such other provision in this Code contained where employees’ services have been previously authorized and such services performed and being due and payable, the payment for such services may be made and a regular warrant on the Treasurer for such payments issued without requiring further Council authorization. It shall be the duty, however, of the Finance Executive to prepare a report of such payments so made to be presented to the Council at the next meeting following for further approval of the payments so made.
(D) If the Finance Executive issues a warrant authorizing payment of any item which no appropriation has been made, or for the purpose of which there is not sufficient balance in the proper appropriation and allotment, or which is otherwise contrary to law, he and his sureties shall be individually liable to the City for the full amount thereof.
(Prior Code, Art. 1, § 1.5(i))