State Rep. Tom Kuhn (R-Troy) today celebrated the passage of his plan to update outdated bidding requirements for county road commissions.

House Bill 4415 modernizes the price and weight thresholds that determine when county road commissions must seek competitive bids for equipment and materials purchases. Current thresholds have not kept pace with rising costs and inflation. This plan would update the requirements to reflect today’s market realities, helping road commissions operate more efficiently while still maintaining accountability for taxpayer dollars.

“This legislation gives county road commissions the flexibility they need to respond to today’s pricing while still maintaining full accountability to taxpayers,” said Kuhn. “It’s a smart, transparent reform that helps local governments focus on maintaining and improving our roads.”

The bill raises the competitive bidding threshold to $75,000, aligning it with current market conditions. This change is designed to reduce unnecessary delays, particularly during emergencies, while preserving oversight and transparency in the use of public funds.

“By modernizing these outdated rules, we’re helping ensure that road commissions can act safely and efficiently when our communities need it most,” said Kuhn. “We must use taxpayer dollars wisely and secure safe, reliable infrastructure for all Michiganders.”

House Bill 4415 had broad, bipartisan support and passed the House 83-19.