3.36.010 - Dishonored checks.

A.

Whenever a check or draft presented to the town is dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment by the drawing bank or institution, the maker will be charged a check-handling fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). Any license or application paid for with such check or draft is invalid, any obligation paid with such check or draft is still outstanding, and any penalties, interest or fees specified in the town ordinances or resolutions will continue to accrue, until the town receives funds for the amount of the check or draft plus the check-handling fee.

B.

Any utility service(s) payment made by a dishonored check or draft shall be removed from the utility account(s) which were paid by such check or draft. When the town receives the dishonored check or draft, the clerk/treasurer shall attempt to notify the maker by phone and provide a verbal twenty-four (24) hour notice to pay the amount of the check or draft plus a check-handling fee. In the case where a phone number cannot be located or the clerk/treasurer is unable for any reason to notify the maker by phone, a written notification will be sent by certified mail, indicating the twenty-four (24) hour notice. The twenty-four (24) hour notice shall begin when the maker receives and signs for the certified letter or from the time the clerk/treasurer informs the maker by phone. If the maker does not make payment within twenty-four (24) hours from said notice, any actions (such as turning off utilities), penalties, interest or fees specified in a town ordinance or resolution shall continue, until the town receives funds for the amount of the check or draft, plus the check-handling fee, plus the cost of any certified letter sent.

C.

Funds must be made in the form of cash, certified check or money order.

D.

The clerk/treasurer of the town, or his/ her designee, is authorized and directed to assess said check-handling charge in addition to, and as a part of, the payment or obligation due or made to the town for which the dishonored check or draft was issued.

E.

In the event a maker has paid for any goods and/or services provided by the town with checks or drafts that were dishonored on two separate occasions during any one-year period, the town may exercise the right to refuse further checks until one year has elapsed and the payee can provide written proof from their bank or institution that they have not had a check returned for the period of one year. Payment will be accepted in the form of cash, certified check or money order until proof is received.

(Ord. 455, 1997)

3.36.020 - Payment of claims or obligations of the town.

Pursuant to RCW 35A.04.020, payment of claims or obligations of the town shall be by check. The qualified public depository, whereon such checks are to be drawn, shall be American West Bank located at 22 E. Second St, Naches, WA 98937 with the town officers authorized to sign checks being the town administrator and the mayor.

(Ord. No. 646, § 1, 3-9-2009)

Editor's note—

Ord. No. 646, § 1, adopted Mar. 9, 2009 did not specify manner if inclusion in Code. Hence inclusion as § 3.36.020 was at the discretion of the editor.