(a) The Mayor shall within 30 days of the receipt of any claim either pay the claim or give written notice to the claimant of a denial in whole or in part. Upon a denial or a failure by the Mayor to respond within 30 days, the claimant may request a hearing on the claim. Upon such request the Mayor shall hold a hearing and receive evidence in accordance with § 2-509. (b) If the claim is determined in favor of the claimant, the Mayor shall make payment of only that amount which the Mayor actually received plus any dividends or interest allowed under § 41-121. The claim shall be paid without deduction for costs of notices or sale or for service charges.