This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide county commissions with greater flexibility in the sale and lease of county property. It introduces competitive bidding as an alternative to public auction for private entity sales, allowing county commissions to sell property either through public auction, Internet-based auction services, or competitive bidding. The bill specifies that the minimum sales price for property sold under competitive bidding must be one and one-half times the assessed value from the most recent tax year. Additionally, it establishes requirements for the bidding process, including public notice, equal opportunity for bidders, and record-keeping.

The bill also raises the threshold for property sales that require public auction from $1,000 to $10,000, and it clarifies the authority of county commissions to lease property for terms not exceeding 50 years, contingent upon a public hearing and resolution by the governing body. These changes aim to align the powers of county commissions with those of municipalities, enhancing their ability to manage county property effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-3-3