Montana Title 7. Local Government § 7-6-2407. Examination and investigation of claims

(2)(a) Within 30 days of receipt of a claim in the office of the county auditor, the county auditor shall approve the claim, disapprove the claim, or notify the board of county commissioners, the claimant, and any affected county elected officials or department heads in writing that the claim requires further investigation.

(b) Further investigation of a claim must be completed and an approval or disapproval of payment of the claim must be issued within 60 days from the date that the county auditor provides the written notification required in subsection (2)(a).

(3)(a) The county auditor shall report approved claims to the board of county commissioners at its regular meeting after investigations into the claims have been completed.

(b) The county auditor shall keep a complete record of all claims submitted and investigations and examinations of the claims.

(a) all bills, claims, accounts, or charges for materials of any kind or nature that may be purchased by and on behalf of the county by any of the county officers or contracted for by the county commissioners must be investigated, examined, and inspected by the county auditor, who shall approve or disapprove payment of the claims before any warrant for the payment of the claims may be drawn;

(b) a claim against the county may not be paid or a warrant drawn for the claim unless the claim has the approval of the county auditor. If the county auditor disapproves payment of a claim: