1. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

   1. (1) CREDIT CARD. A line of credit issued by a domestic lender or credit card bank.
   2. (2) DEBIT CARD. A card issued by a bank in relation to a checking or savings account authorized by law to be expended at the discretion of the sheriff’s office.
2. (b) To provide for convenience in making purchases of tangible personal property or services approved by the sheriff, the Sheriff of Cullman County may establish procedures to make certain purchases through the use of a credit card or debit card issued to the office.

3. (c) The sheriff shall adopt written policy and procedures governing the use of a credit card or debit card, which, at a minimum shall include each of the following:

   1. (1) A monetary limit on the amount of any individual purchase which may be made with a credit card or debit card.
   2. (2) A monetary limit on the total monthly amount that may be purchased with a credit card or debit card taking into consideration the monetary limit of the discretionary fund used.
   3. (3) Procedures to ensure that the sheriff, or his or her designee, has sole access to any credit card or debit card, credit card or debit card numbers, access codes, or security codes.
   4. (4) Procedures to keep accurate records of all purchases made with a credit card or debit card which shall be periodically reviewed during required audits.
   5. (5) Procedures to ensure that all credit card or debit card bills are carefully reviewed by the sheriff each month to ensure that no unauthorized charges appear on the bill.
   6. (6) Procedures to ensure that all credit card or debit card bills are paid in full on a timely basis each month to avoid service charges, late fees, or interest payments.

4. (d) The sheriff shall select a credit card or debit card provider or providers taking into consideration each of the following:

   1. (1) Whether the credit card or debit card issuer requires an annual fee for using the card.
   2. (2) Whether the credit card or debit card issuer offers rewards or rebates based upon purchases made using the account.
   3. (3) The interest rates, service charges, finance charges, or late fees that will be assessed in the event a bill from the credit card or debit card issuer is paid late or the balance is not paid in full.
   4. (4) Whether penalties or fees will be assessed against the sheriff in the event he or she decides to terminate the credit card or debit card.
   5. (5) Any other consideration deemed relevant by the sheriff.
5. (e) In the event a credit card or debit card provides rewards or rebates based upon the use of the card, any rewards or rebates earned from the card or cards shall be deposited in the discretionary account of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
6. (f) The sole purpose of this section is to provide the sheriff a more efficient method of making payment for authorized purchases of tangible property or services. Nothing in this section shall authorize the sheriff to expend funds in excess of those otherwise validly appropriated under law. Nor shall anything in this section authorize the sheriff to establish a debt of the county commission.

(Act 2024-204, §1.)