HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 52

(By Delegate Barnhart)

February 24, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Government Organization then the Committee on Rules

Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the financial effects of raising the threshold from $25,000 to $50,000 for the requirement of bids for municipal, public service district, county, and state public works projects.

Whereas, The governing body or board (hereinafter "the Board") has plenary power over all aspects of all the contracts and agreements necessary to perform the Board's functions; and

Whereas, The Board may employ any person within any professional category that the Board believes to execute its powers and duties; and

Whereas, Currently, no contract or agreement with any contractor or contractors for labor or materials, or both, exceeding in amount the sum of $25,000 shall be made without advertising for bids, which bids shall be publicly opened and an award made to the lowest responsible bidder, with power and authority in the board to reject any and all bids; and

Whereas, Raising this amount to $50,000 will make delegating smaller jobs easier for the board and not require the bidding process; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the financial benefit of raising the threshold from $25,000 to $50,000 for the requirement of bids for municipal, public service district, county, and state public works projects; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2024, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.