The department may operate the relief administration in any county after the denial of financial assistance to the county in accordance with the provisions of Section 18477, and the county proportion of the costs thereof shall be charged against the county and shall be a proper charge against the county. The department shall certify to the county auditor any amounts so charged against the county, the county auditor shall include in his state settlement report rendered to the Controller in the months of January and June the amounts so certified and due under the provisions of this section, and the county treasurer, at the time of the settlement with the state in such months, shall pay to the State Treasurer, upon the order of the Controller, the amounts due under the provisions of this section.