§ 14950 — Claims against county

(a) General duties.--The controller or the county commissioners in counties without a controller shall scrutinize, audit and decide on all bills, claims or demands whatsoever against the county, except as otherwise provided in this subchapter.

(b) Presentation of claim and evidence.--

(1) All persons with a claim shall first present the claim to the controller or the county commissioners and, if required, make oath or affirmation before the controller or county commissioners to the accurateness of the claims.

(2) The controller or the county commissioners may require evidence by oath or affirmation of the claimant that the claim is legally due and that the supplies or services for which payment is claimed have been furnished or performed under legal authority.

(c) Conflict of interest.--

(1) The controller or county commissioners may inquire or ascertain if:

(i) Any officer or agent of the county:

(A) is interested in the contract under which a claim may arise; or

(B) has received or is to receive any commission, consideration or gratuity relating thereto.

(ii) There has been any evasion of the provisions of this part by making two or more contracts for small amounts which should have been in one.

(2) Except as provided under section 15106 (relating to conflicts of interest prohibited), if the controller or county commissioners find that an officer or agent has a conflict of interest under paragraph (1) or that there has been any evasion by the officer or agent, the controller or county commissioners shall refuse to approve the claim.