The City Charter, Municipal Code and statutes authorize the City Manager to administer financial matters, countersign warrants, approve claim vouchers, and perform other duties required of him by the City Council.  This annual resolution is similar to annual Resolution No. R-2017-125 that was adopted by the City Council on October 17, 2017.  The authority amount is now $50,000 rather than $100,000 authorized in annual resolutions for 13 years from November 26, 2002 to June 14, 2016, when the City Council passed a motion to lower the settlement authority amount to $50,000.  This resolution will continue to authorize the City Manager to resolve claims against or by the City for the total amount of $50,000 or less, and to execute all documents necessary to the resolution or settlement of such claims against or by the City.  A similar resolution will be presented to the City Council for its review and consideration at a City Council meeting before the end of 2019.

The City of Yakima is self-insured for most property and general liability damage claims.  The Transit Division is in the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (“WSTIP”) as of September 1, 2005, with a $0 deductible.  The City of Yakima is in the Cities Insurance Association of Washington (“CIAW”) for other claims effective December 14, 2005, with a $100,000 deductible.