Sec. 24. (a) For each department of the consolidated city, the city-county legislative body shall establish a standing committee, having at least three (3) members, to investigate the policies and expenditures of the department.

(b) The legislative body or its committee may:

(1) hire an internal auditor or an independent certified public accountant, or both, to examine the books and records of the consolidated city, any of its special service districts or special taxing districts, and the county;

(2) investigate any charges against a department, officer, or employee of the consolidated city, or any of its special service districts or special taxing districts, or the county; and

(3) investigate the affairs of a person with whom a city or county agency has entered or is about to enter into a contract.

(c) When conducting an investigation under this section, the legislative body or its committee:

(1) is entitled to access to all records pertaining to the investigation; and

(2) may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence by subpoena and attachment served and executed in the county.

(d) If a person refuses to testify or produce evidence at an investigation conducted under this section, the legislative body may order its clerk to immediately present to the circuit court of the county a written report of the facts relating to the refusal. The court shall hear all questions relating to the refusal to testify or produce evidence and shall also hear any new evidence not included in the clerk's report. If the court finds that the testimony or evidence sought should be given or produced, it shall order the person to testify or produce evidence, or both.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 18-4-3-11 part; 18-1-4-2 part.]

As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.2. Amended by Acts 1980, P.L.213, SEC.4; P.L.14-2000, SEC.79.