SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5735

As of February 26, 2003

Title: An act relating to adjusting the limit applicable to the contracting of public works by a special purpose water-sewer district.

Brief Description: Adjusting the limit applicable to the contracting of public works by a special purpose water-sewer district.

Sponsors: Senators Eide, Winsley, T. Sheldon, Oke, Doumit and McCaslin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/26/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: A water-sewer district must put all work ordered, with an estimated cost above $5,000, out for competitive bid. Alternatively, a district can use a small works roster to award public works contracts with an estimated cost of $200,000 or less, or the limited public works process for projects with an estimated cost of less than $35,000.

Summary of Bill: Public work, other than ordinary maintenance, of a value of not more than 10 percent of the public works construction budget for the year, as expressed in a capital improvement plan adopted by the board of commissioners, is performed by employees of the district.

When a district has public works projects performed by employees of the district during a calendar year exceeding 1 percent of the public works construction budget, a report must be prepared and made available to the State Auditor.

The threshold for public works projects at which competitive bidding is required is changed to $25,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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