1. (a) For the purposes of this section, the term “credit card” means a line of credit issued by a domestic lender or credit card bank.

2. (b) To provide for convenience in making purchases of tangible personal property or services approved by the sheriff, in Calhoun County the sheriff may establish procedures to make certain purchases through the use of a credit card issued to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff shall adopt written policies and procedures governing the use of credit cards 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.
   2. (2) A monetary limit on the total monthly amount that may be purchased with a credit card taking into consideration the monetary limit of the fund to be used to pay any credit card charges.
   3. (3) Procedures to ensure that the sheriff has sole access to any credit card, credit card number, access code, or security code.
   4. (4) Procedures to keep accurate records of all purchases made with a credit card which shall be periodically reviewed during required audits.
   5. (5) Procedures to ensure that all credit card bills are carefully reviewed by the sheriff each month to ensure that no unauthorized charges appear on any bill.
   6. (6) Procedures to ensure that all credit card bills are paid in full on a timely basis each month to avoid service charges, late fees, or interest payments.

3. (c) The sheriff shall select the credit card provider or providers taking into consideration each of the following:

   1. (1) Whether the credit card issuer requires an annual fee to use the account.
   2. (2) Whether the credit 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 may be assessed in the event a bill from the credit card issuer is paid late or the balance is not paid in full each month.
   4. (4) Whether penalties or fees will be assessed against the sheriff in the event he or she decides to terminate the credit card account.
   5. (5) Any other consideration deemed relevant by the sheriff.
4. (d) In the event that a credit card provides rewards or rebates based upon the use of the card, any rewards or rebates earned from the card shall be deposited in the Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund or redeemed for a legitimate public purpose.

(Act 2023-168, § 1.)