Ordinance 07-011 Amending SVMC 2.65 Increasing Credit Card Limits CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY,WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO.07-011
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY,
WASHINGTON, AMENDING SPOKANE VALLEY MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
2.65.020(A)(3) TO INCREASE THE CREDIT LIMIT FOR CREDIT CARDS ISSUED
TO THE CITY, AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS PROPERLY RELATED
THERETO.
WHEREAS,the City of Spokane Valley adopted SVMC 2.65, providing authorization for use of
credit cards by City Council members and certain staff members to facilitate efficient operation of City
functions,and to provide limitations thereon;and
WHEREAS, credit cards are used by staff for purchasing goods, supplies and other items from
vendors, or incurring registration, training or travel expenses in connection with the performance of their
duties on behalf of the City by the City Council and staff;and
WHEREAS, the original credit limit for such credit cards for the City was established at
$3,000.00,with a limited number of credit cards having been obtained by the City; and
WHEREAS, due to the low credit limit and limited number of credit cards assigned to the City,
the City Council and staff have experienced difficulties using the City credit cards from time to time; and
WHEREAS, credit card limits may be greater at retailers when the dollar amount of purchases
and/or the frequency of purchases warrants a greater credit limit;and
WHEREAS, staff recommends increasing the credit limit from$3,000 to$5,000 per card; and
WHEREAS, the following changes are necessary for a more efficient operation of day-to-day
functions.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Washington ordains as
follows:
Section 1. Spokane Valley Municipal Code Chapter 2.65.020 is hereby amended as set forth
below.
SVMC 2.65.020 Issuance,use and control of credit cards.
The City adopts the following system for the issuance,use and control of credit cards by City
officials and employees.
A. The finance director is authorized to obtain City credit cards under the following system,which
provides for the distribution, authorization,control,credit limits and payment of bills through the
use of the credit cards by City officials and employees.
1. Issuance and Use. Credit cards may be issued to the City of Spokane Valley and used by
City officials and authorized employees for purchasing goods, supplies and other items
from vendors or incurring registration,training or travel expenses in connection with the
performance of their duties on behalf of the City.
Ordinance 07-011 Amending SVMC 2.65.020 Page 1 of 3
2. Authorization and Control.Upon authorization from the city manager or designee,City
employees may obtain credit cards from the finance director who shall maintain a ledger
of the individual receiving the credit card, including the date the card was received.City
council members may obtain credit cards from the finance director. The finance director
shall implement accounting controls to ensure the proper use of credit cards and credit
card funds.
3. Credit Limits.The credit limit shall not exceed$5,000 per card.
4. Payment of Bills.The finance director shall establish a procedure for the prompt payment
of all credit card bills on or before the due date.
5. Unauthorized Charges.No official or employee shall use the City-issued credit card for
non-City business purposes.No charge(s)shall exceed amounts established and available
in the City budget.
6. Cash Advances. Cash advances on credit cards are prohibited.
B. Expenses incident to authorized travel may be charged to a City-issued credit card provided the
official or employee returns to the City with credit card receipts in accordance with the City
travel policies and procedures. An expense reimbursement form is also desired. If certain credit
charges are disallowed as a result of audit or City policy, such charge must be repaid to the City
with the City having the right to withhold funds payable to the official or employee up to the
amount of the disallowed charge including interest at the rate charged by the credit card company.
C. The city manager is authorized to revoke the use of any charge card issued and immediately
require the surrender of the credit card. The city manager may deliver a revocation order to the
charge card company with the City not being liable for any future costs incurred after the date of
revocation.
D. The city manager is authorized to adopt any additional rules or policies necessary to implement
the provisions of the ordinance codified in this section.
Section 2. Remainder Unchanged. The remaining portions of SVMC 2.65 are unchanged
by this legislative action.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance should be
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause or
phrase of this Ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty(30)days after
publication of the Ordinance, or a summary thereof,occurs in the official newspaper of the City as provided
by law.
Ordinance 07-011 Amending SVMC 2.65.020 Page 2 of 3
PASSED by the City Council this 10th day of July,2007.
1101/4A(i, dlieWa.,
Mayor,Diana Wilhite
ATTEST:
Clerk,Christine Bainbri•ge -
Approved as to Form:
Office of tife City Atbargey
Date of Publication: 07-20-07
Effective Date: 08-20-07
Ordinance 07-011 Amending SVMC 2.65.020 Page 3 of 3