(a) If the county, city, or district reports are not made in the time, form, and manner required or there is reason to believe that a report is false, incomplete, or incorrect, the Controller shall appoint a qualified accountant to make an investigation and to obtain the information required. The accountant appointed shall report to the Controller the results of investigation, and a copy shall be filed with the legislative body of the county, city, or district, the accounts of which were investigated. If a similar investigation has to be made of the accounts of any county, city, or district, for two successive years, a certified copy of the results of the investigation last made shall be transmitted to the grand jury of the county that was investigated or in which the city or district investigated is situated, or, if the district is situated in more than one county, in the county in which any portion of the district is situated.

(b) Any costs incurred by the Controller pursuant to subdivision (a), including contracts with, or employment of, certified public accountants or public accountants, in compiling a financial report pursuant to Section 12463 or 12463.3 shall be borne by the county, city, district, or redevelopment agency, and shall be a charge against any unencumbered funds of the county, city, district, or redevelopment agency. Any forfeiture imposed by Section 53895 or 53895.5 may be offset up to the total costs incurred by the Controller. Any remaining balance shall be forfeited in accordance with Sections 53895 and 53895.5. Any costs incurred by the Controller in excess of the forfeiture imposed shall be a charge against any unencumbered funds of the county, city, district, or redevelopment agency.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 520, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2005.)