SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5091

              As Passed Senate, February 13, 1995

Title:  An act relating to public utility district alternative bid procedure.

Brief Description:  Raising the dollar limit for the public utility district alternative bid procedure.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, Winsley and Pelz.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/24/95, 1/31/95 [DP, DNP].

Passed Senate, 2/13/95, 46-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Drew, Hale, McCaslin and Winsley.

Minority Report:  Do not pass. 

  Signed by Senator Heavey.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  A public utility district commission that wishes to award a contract to purchase materials, equipment, or supplies more than $5,000 but less than $15,000 in value must follow a statutory procedure that requires public notice to invite sealed bids for the materials.

In lieu of the requirement of a sealed bidding, the commission may establish a uniform process to award contracts for the purchase of these materials.  This involves periodic publication in a newspaper of general circulation, and securing telephone or written quotations, or both, from at least three different vendors.

The $15,000 limit has been in effect since 1977.

Summary of Bill:  The limit for a public utility district's alternative bid procedure for purchase of materials, equipment, or supplies is raised from $15,000 to $35,000.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The process works well and saves money.  The limit has not been raised since 1977.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Dave Webb, Judy Spence, Snohomish County PUD.