SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5433

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 7, 2003

Title: An act relating to water-sewer district bidding provisions.

Brief Description: Modifying water-sewer district bidding provisions.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Kastama, Stevens and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/7/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Fairley, Kastama, McCaslin and Reardon.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Any purchase by a water-sewer district of materials, supplies, or equipment with an estimated cost in excess of $10,000 must be made by contract. If the estimated cost is less than $50,000, the district must secure bids from at least three different vendors on a vendor list maintained by the district before awarding the contract. If the estimated cost exceeds $50,000, the district must follow competitive bidding procedures, including published notice inviting sealed proposals for the purchase.

Summary of Bill: As an alternative to existing law, the district may let purchase contracts with suppliers designated on current state agency, county, city, or town purchasing rosters when the roster has been established in accordance with the competitive bidding law applicable to each governmental body. The price and terms for purchases shall be as described on the roster.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Water-sewer districts are allowed to save money by using prequalified vendor lists established by state agencies, counties, cities, and towns.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Joe Daniels, WA Assn. of Sewer & Water Districts; Hal Schlomann, WA Assn. of Sewer & Water Districts.