§6-9D-10. Appeal of decision of State Auditor.

(a) A determination by the State Auditor or a designee that a fiscal emergency condition does not exist is final, conclusive and not appealable. A determination by the State Auditor or a designee under this section that a fiscal emergency exists is final, except that the governing body affected by a determination of the existence of a fiscal emergency condition under this section, when authorized by a majority of the members of their governing body, may appeal the determination of the existence of a fiscal emergency condition to the circuit court of the county having territorial jurisdiction over the local government. The appeal shall be heard expeditiously by the circuit court for good cause shown and, except as otherwise provided in this code, shall take precedence over all other civil matters except earlier matters of the same character. Notice of such appeal must be filed with the State Auditor or a designee and such court within 30 days after the notification of a fiscal emergency determination by the State Auditor or a designee to the governing body of the local government as provided for in subsection (a) of this section.

(b) Upon such appeal, determinations of the State Auditor or a designee shall be presumed to be valid and the local government shall have the burden of proving, by clear and convincing evidence, that each of the determinations made by the State Auditor or a designee as to the existence of a fiscal emergency condition under this article was in error. If the local government fails, upon presentation of its case, to prove by clear and convincing evidence that each such determination by the State Auditor or a designee was in error, the court shall dismiss the appeal. The local government and the State Auditor or a designee may introduce any evidence relevant to the existence or nonexistence of such fiscal emergency conditions at the times indicated in the applicable provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(c) The pendency of any such appeal shall not affect or impede the operations of this article; no restraining order, temporary injunction, or other similar restraint upon actions consistent with this article shall be imposed by the court or any court pending determination of such appeal; and the actions of the State Auditor taken pursuant to this article may continue regardless of the pendency of any such appeal. Any action taken or contract executed pursuant to this article during the pendency of such appeal is valid and enforceable among all parties, notwithstanding the decision in such appeal. If the circuit court reverses the determination of the existence of a fiscal emergency condition by the State Auditor or a designee, the determination no longer has any effect, and any procedures undertaken as a result of the determination shall be terminated.

(d) All expenses incurred by the State Auditor or a designee relating to a determination or termination of a fiscal emergency or a fiscal watch under this article, including providing technical and support services, or for conducting a financial review, shall be reimbursed from an appropriation for that purpose. If necessary, the governing body of the local government may provide sufficient funds for these purposes.