This bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding new sections that mandate counties and municipalities to provide public notice for the purchase of land or buildings. Specifically, it introduces section 7-3-3b for counties and section 8-12-10a for municipalities, both requiring that public notice be given at least three months prior to any property purchase. The notice must include details such as the size of the property, the date, time, and location of the sale, general categories of property, an inspection period, the method of sale (including options like spot bid, sealed bid, or auction), the selling agency, and contact information for further inquiries.
Additionally, the bill defines acceptable forms of public notice, which can include social media, public postings at courthouses, and optional advertisements in newspapers. It also stipulates that proposals for the property must be made available to the public for ten business days before any action is taken, and that submitted proposals should be within 10 percent of the specifications provided and within a reasonable distance from the selected point, not exceeding four miles. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and public participation in local government property transactions.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 7-3-3b, 8-12-10a