This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to provide county commissions with the authority to utilize competitive bidding as an alternative to the traditional public auction process for the sale of county-owned real property. It establishes specific requirements for the competitive bidding process, including the necessity for public notice, equal opportunity for bidders, and the maintenance of records. The minimum sales price for properties sold through competitive bidding is set at one and one-half times the assessed value or based on a third-party appraisal. Additionally, the bill allows for the direct sale of county-owned property to private parties, provided the purchase price is at least 75% of the appraised value.

The bill also clarifies the existing authority of county commissions to sell, trade, or lease property, while increasing the threshold for property that can be sold without the public auction process from $1,000 to $10,000. It mandates that any sale or lease must be preceded by a public notice and a hearing, ensuring transparency in the process. The provisions aim to streamline the sale and leasing of county property while maintaining accountability and public awareness.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-3-3
Committee Substitute: 7-3-3
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 7-3-3