SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1394

BYHouse Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Rayburn and Baugher)

Revising irrigation district bidding requirements.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Gaspard, Hansen, Madsen, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Steve Nelsen (786-7464)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, FEBRUARY 20, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Currently, state law requires that if the board of directors of an irrigation district decides to purchase work or materials by contract, it must use a publicly conducted, sealed bidding procedure.  Exceptions to this requirement are allowed if the board is authorized to exchange bonds of the district for labor and materials, or when the district is contracting with the United States government.

Some special purpose districts, such as sewer or water districts, may let a contract for a project using a small works roster if the cost of the project is less than $25,000.  An exception to the bidding requirements established for such districts is provided for purchases limited to a single source of supply and purchases involving special facilities, services, or market conditions which may be best secured by direct negotiation.  The requirements for public bids are also waived in certain emergencies.

SUMMARY:

The board of an irrigation district is allowed to use telephone or written bidding by persons on small works rosters to let a contract for a project costing less than $100,000.  The roster is to be composed of all responsible contractors who have requested to be on the list, and must be revised annually.  Immediately after an award is made, the bid quotations must be recorded, open to public inspection, and available by telephone inquiry.

The requirement for public bidding on contracts for irrigation districts does not apply:  in certain emergencies; to purchases which are limited to a single source of supply; or to purchases involving special facilities, services, or market conditions, in which instances the purchase price may be best set by direct negotiation.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one