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Nixa council reviews ordinance to let city administrator settle small claims up to $15,000
Summary
Council heard first reading of an ordinance (Council Bill 2025-14) that would give the city administrator authority to settle liability claims not exceeding $15,000, with required attorney consultation and monthly reporting to the mayor.
Mayor Jared Giddens and the Nixa City Council heard the first reading of Council Bill 2025‑14 on May 13, a proposed ordinance to let the city administrator settle certain liability claims up to $15,000.
City Attorney Nick Whitman told the council the change would expand authority now in section 2‑190 of the Nixa City Code, creating a new code section (2‑194) that “would authorize the city administrator to settle claims in an amount not to exceed $15,000.” Whitman said the administrator would be required to obtain a complete release from the injured party and to consult the city attorney before using the authority, and that the city attorney would report monthly to the mayor when the authority was used.
Whitman said staff believes the change will speed up resolution of minor claims and reduce administrative burden on the council and staff. “This has allowed the city to keep some of its claims off of the insurance carrier's claim report for the city, which can have an effect on our premium rates,” he said.
The item was presented as a first reading; no public speakers addressed the ordinance during the hearing and no vote was taken. Whitman remained available for council questions.
If passed on subsequent readings, the ordinance would permit the city to settle certain claims administratively while preserving a requirement to involve the city attorney and provide monthly oversight to the mayor.
