Sec. 81. – Public work not paid for by assessment.

In all public work, excepting work on sewers and emergency work, where the estimated cost of the work is in excess of $25,000 or such other amount as may be determined by law to apply to general law cities, whichever amount is greater, the Council shall advertise for sealed bids in such manner as they may provide, and the contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. The Council shall have authority to reject any or all bids; provided, that if the estimated cost of the work is less than $25,000, informal bids shall be received from two or more bidders, if available, without the necessity of advertising. if the Council is advised by the City Manager that the work can be done for a sum less than the lowest responsible bid, the Council may reject all bids and order the work done by force account under the supervision and direction of the City Manager.

The $25,000 limit set forth above shall be increased by $5,000 on July 1, 1996 and by the same amount on July 1st of each year thereafter to a maximum of $50,000.