2-7-524. Filing of claims against local government entity -- disposition by department as prerequisite. (1) All claims against a local government entity for failure to file an annual financial report with the department as required by 2-7-503(1), failure to complete and submit an audit or financial review to the department as required by 2-7-503(3), or failure to resolve significant audit findings or implement corrective measures as required by 2-7-515(3) within 2 years of the applicable deadlines must be presented in writing to the department.

(2) A complaint based on a claim subject to the provisions of subsection (1) may not be filed in district court unless the claimant has first presented the claim to the department and submitted a copy of the claim to the local government entity. Upon the department's receipt of the claim, the statute of limitations on the claim is tolled until a written determination is issued under subsection (3).

(3) The department must review the claim and issue one of the following determinations in writing within 60 days after the claim is presented to the department:

(a) the local government entity has not violated the requirements of this part for a period of 2 years from the applicable deadlines;

(b) there is sufficient evidence of the violations of the requirements of this part for a period of 2 years from the applicable deadlines, and the department will initiate further technical assistance to help the local government entity come into compliance with this part within 6 months; or

(c) there is sufficient evidence of the violations of the requirements of this part for a period of 2 years from the applicable deadlines.

(4) If the department issues a written determination under subsection (3)(b), within 6 months the department must provide the complainant with a final determination that either:

(a) the local government entity has come into compliance with the provisions of this part; or

(b) there is sufficient evidence of the violations of the requirements of this part.

(5) A complainant must receive a written determination from the department under subsection (3)(c) or (4)(b) before proceeding to district court in accordance with 2-7-523.

(6) The failure of the department to issue a written determination of a claim within 60 days after the claim is presented to the department must be considered a written determination under subsection (3)(c) for purposes of this section.