(1) The risk manager shall have the authority, after notifying the prosecuting attorney, to pursue, collect, and/or defend monetary claims within the jurisdiction of small claims court or brought in small claims court pursuant to chapter 12.40 RCW.

(2) The risk manager shall be responsible for defending the county in small claims actions alleging tortious conduct on behalf of the county, agent of the county or employee of the county acting within the scope of employment. Notice of claim shall be provided to the prosecuting attorney pursuant to subsection (5) of this section.

(3) The prosecuting attorney may, at his/her sole discretion, pursue, collect, or defend the monetary claims in small claims court.

(4) The risk manager is authorized, upon being awarded a judgment in favor of the county in small claims court, to employ a collection agency for services to collect and/or execute on said judgment.

(5) The risk manager shall be responsible for maintaining records of each and every claim pursued, collected or defended. These records shall include detailed information as to the nature and amount of the claim, the department or division involved, the individual who appeared in court on behalf of the county, and the disposition of the action. A copy of those records shall be maintained by the risk manager. (Added by Ord. 84-062 § 2, May 30, 1984; Amended by Ord. 88-012 § 10, Mar. 30, 1988; Amended by Amended Ord. 17-019, June 7, 2017, Eff date June 19, 2017).