§ 29.7-4. Powers and Duties of the Controller.

 The Controller shall have the following powers and duties:

   a. Co-sign with the Director of Finance all checks, drafts, or other instruments which disburse municipal funds.

   b. Maintain a record of all municipal employees, sign payroll checks only for duly appointed municipal employees, and maintain such other books and records as may be required for the proper exercise of the functions and duties of this office.

   c. Insure that no payment is made or obligation incurred against any appropriation except in accordance with the designated budget appropriations.

   d. Insure that there is sufficient, unencumbered balance in the appropriate budget appropriation and that sufficient funds therefrom are, or will be, available to cover the claim or meet the obligation when it becomes due or payable. However, nothing in this Charter shall be construed to prevent the making or authorizing of payments, or making of contracts for capital improvements to be financed fully or partly by the issuance of bonds, or to prevent the making of any contract or lease providing for payment beyond the end of the fiscal year, provided such action is made or approved by ordinance.

   e. May require each department, office, agency, board, or commission to certify that the materials, supplies, or equipment have been duly received and accepted as specified and that services have been duly rendered. For such purpose the Controller shall have the power to require by subpoena executed by the Controller or Deputy Controller the attendance of, and examine under oath, administered by the Controller or the Deputy Controller, such persons, documents, and records as the Controller may deem necessary. If any person shall refuse or neglect to obey any subpoena issued by the Controller, the Controller may apply by petition to the Court of Common Pleas for its subpoena, requiring the attendance of such person before the Controller or the Court.

   f. Insure that all payments and obligations incurred by the Municipality are in accordance with the law, municipal contract, and the provisions of this Charter. If there is a question concerning the lawfulness of the payment or obligation, the Controller shall request a ruling from the Municipal Attorney. Following such ruling, in the event the Controller refuses to approve any payment or obligation as aforesaid and such refusal results in litigation against the Controller, then the Controller may retain legal counsel. The compensation of such counsel shall be determined by the Court of Common Pleas and paid by the Municipality.