SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1548

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, March 19, 2001

Title:  An act relating to allowing metropolitan park districts to use a small works roster process.

Brief Description:  Expanding the small works roster process to include metropolitan park districts.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Kirby and Carrell.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  3/19/01 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Gardner, Hale, Haugen, Kline and T. Sheldon.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Horn.

Staff:  Diane Smith (786‑7410)

Background:  State contracting law provides for an optional uniform small works roster process to award public works contracts that assure a competitive price is established and that the contract is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.  The small works roster may be used by government agencies and by any local government that is expressly authorized to use it.  Contracts estimated to cost $200,000 or less are eligible for the small works roster process.  Under the small works roster process, a local government must construct lists of responsible contractors.  The local government then contacts at least five contractors on the roster in a manner that will equitably distribute the opportunity among the contractors on the roster.  The local government then awards the contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

A metropolitan park district is a municipal corporation with taxing authority, the right of eminent domain and the authority to create a civil service commission for its employees.  Its authority to contract for public works is not clear.

The formal competitive bidding process used by water-sewer districts requires that notice must be given in a newspaper of general circulation 13 days before the last day upon which bids will be received.  Bids must be accompanied by a check or a bond guaranteeing that the bidder will enter into a contract in accordance with the bid.  The district must award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder or the best bidder submitting the bidder=s own plans and specifications.  The district may also reject all bids for good cause.

Summary of Bill:  Metropolitan park districts are given authority to let contracts for public works estimated to cost more than $5,000 by use of the same formal competitive bidding process used by water-sewer districts or by use of the existing small works roster process.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Every other department in Tacoma can use the small works roster.  This bill helps streamline government and make it more efficient.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Kirby, prime sponsor (pro).