FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1173

C 79 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Purchasing material, supplies, or equipment by fire districts.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Mulliken and Dunshee.

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

Whenever practicable, fire districts are required to make purchases and contracts for public works based on a competitive bid process.  A formal sealed bid procedure must be used for purchases unless the purchase qualifies for an exception.  One exception is the purchase of materials, supplies, or equipment when the total cost will not exceed $4,500.

Even if the purchase of materials, supplies, or equipment does exceed $4,500, the commissioners may, by resolution, use an alternative bid process when the total estimated cost does not exceed $10,000.  This alternative bid process allows the fire district to secure telephonic or written quotes from at least three different vendors.  The alternative bid process must assure that a competitive price is established and that the contract is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.  These contracts must be open to public inspection but need not be advertised.

Summary:

The cost limit on fire districts= authority to make purchases without using a formal sealed bid procedure is increased from $4,500 to $10,000.  The cost limit on fire districts= authority to make purchases using an alternative bid procedure is increased from $10,000 to $50,000.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate440

Effective:  July 22, 2001