2025 Session Last amended: 2007 session

§ 160.17 — Road Construction Contracts; Counties and Towns

Plain-Language Summary

For county or town road construction or improvement contracts above the sealed-bid threshold in section 471.345, the plans and specifications must be on file (with the county auditor and highway engineer, or the town clerk) before the contract is let. The county or town must also advertise for bids in a newspaper of general circulation: once a week for three successive weeks for a county contract, and two successive weeks for a town contract, with the last publication at least ten days before bids are received. As an alternative, counties or towns may use a request for proposal and award the contract on a best-value basis under section 16C.28. Final payment cannot be made until the engineer or person in charge certifies that the work met the contract and the certificate is filed with the county auditor or town clerk.

Practical Notes
Road construction contracts require filed plans, specifications, and competitive bidding.