Senators gave first-round approval March 3 to a bill that would give school districts increased spending authority.<\/p>\n
Currently, school districts are not required to initiate a bidding process for construction, remodeling or repairs when the expenditure is estimated to cost less than $40,000. LB431, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Roy Baker, would increase the threshold to $100,000.<\/p>\n
Baker said that the initial threshold was established decades ago and never has been adjusted for inflation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat $40,000 level was enacted by the 1979 Legislature, 36 years ago,\u201d he said. \u201cAdjusted for today\u2019s numbers, that would be over $130,000. [LB431] would allow school districts to move faster to make necessary repairs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The state Board of Education would adjust the threshold to account for inflation every five years, based upon the percentage change in the consumer price index.<\/p>\n
Omaha Sen Rick Kolowski supported the bill, saying that the proposed changes are long overdue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would not only save time but also money,\u201d he said. \u201cIt would be useful for them to be able to draw this new line in bidding for future projects.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 38-0 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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