City Council
Staff Report
From: City Attorney
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Attorney
Meeting Date: October 7, 2024
Report #:2409-3468
TITLE
Adoption of a Resolution to Authorize the Acceptance of Electronic Government Claims
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the acceptance of electronic claims in accordance with Senate Bill 1473 of the Local Government Omnibus Act of 2020, which amended Government Code Section 915 to allow for the electronic filing of government claims if expressly authorized by resolution of the public entity.
BACKGROUND
Government Code Section 915 traditionally required that government claims against public entities be delivered or mailed to the City in hard copy. Senate Bill 1473, enacted as part of the Local Government Omnibus Act of 2020, amended Government Code Section 915 to permit the electronic filing of claims against public entities, provided that such filing is expressly authorized by a resolution of the public entity.
Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.28.230 also prescribes the methods for presentation of claims not otherwise governed under the Government Code or state law. This section requires that all claims be presented in the manner prescribed the Government Claims Act.
ANALYSIS
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the City began accepting electronic claims as a temporary measure to ensure continuity of services while adhering to public health guidelines.
This practice proved to be highly effective, as staff observed that accepting electronic claims significantly enhanced customer service and increased operational efficiencies.
Electronic claims can be submitted through the City’s website at “Submit a Claim Against the City” (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Attorney/Submit-a-Claim-Against-the- City/). In addition, claims may still be submitted via email, mail, or in-person, with detailed
instructions available on the same webpage.
The adoption of this resolution will formalize the practice of accepting electronic claims, allowing the City to continue offering this convenient and efficient option for the public.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The fiscal impact of adopting this resolution is expected to be minimal. The City has already implemented electronic filing as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and any initial implementation costs have either already been incurred or will be offset by the operational efficiencies gained from accepting electronic claims. These efficiencies include reduced processing times, lower administrative costs, and decreased use of physical resources. As a result, the ongoing costs associated with maintaining the electronic claims system are anticipated to be negligible.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
With respect to claim filing procedures, the City Attorney’s Office has collaborated with the Clerk’s Office, IT and Communications.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of this resolution is not subject to California Environmental Quality Act review because it does not meet the definition of a “project” under California Public Resource Code section 21065.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of Electronically Filed Government Claims
APPROVED BY:
Molly Stump, City Attorney