Sec. 85. - [Payment of unlawful claims.]

The head of the department and the department's sureties shall be liable to the city for all loss or damage sustained by the city by reason of the negligent or corrupt approval of any claim against the city in the department. Whenever any claim shall be presented, the auditor shall have power to require evidence that the amount claimed is justly due and that such claim is in conformity with law and ordinance. For that purpose the auditor may summon any officer, agent, or employee of any department, or any other person, and examine the individual upon oath or affirmation relative thereto, which oath or affirmation the auditor may administer. If the auditor shall draw a warrant for any claim contrary to law or ordinance, the auditor and the department's sureties shall be individually liable for the amount thereof.

(Amended 11-3-98.)