The bill amends RCW 36.32.235 to update regulations regarding county purchasing departments and their authority to enter into contracts for public works. It specifies that counties with a purchasing department must conduct competitive bidding for public works projects, with certain exceptions for projects funded by the county road fund or equipment rental and revolving fund. The bill introduces new definitions for "riverine project" and "stormwater project," and clarifies the process for advertising bids, submitting proposals, and awarding contracts. Notably, it allows counties to perform public works with their employees up to 10 percent of the public works construction budget, with additional stipulations for counties with populations over 400,000 regarding project cost limits.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for unit priced contracts, particularly for the maintenance or repair of county ferry vessels, which can be extended for up to 10 years, contrasting with the standard one-year limit for other contracts. It emphasizes the requirement for prevailing wages and outlines the consequences for counties exceeding the allowed percentage of public works performed by employees. The legislation also includes provisions for emergency work, small works roster processes, and the preferential purchase of recycled materials, ensuring a comprehensive framework for county public works contracting.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.32.235
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.32.235
Session Law: 36.32.235