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 now extend up to 10 years. It emphasizes the requirement for prevailing wages and outlines the consequences for counties that exceed the allowed percentage of public works performed by employees. The legislation also maintains that emergency work can be performed without limitations and allows for the use of a small works roster process for contracting. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in county contracting processes while providing flexibility for specific projects.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.32.235