When it is determined to let the work relating to the improvements for which a conservancy district was established by contract, contracts in amounts to exceed fifty thousand dollars shall be advertised after notice calling for bids has been published once a week for two consecutive weeks or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, with the last publication to occur at least eight days prior to the date on which bids will be accepted, in a newspaper of general circulation within the conservancy district where the work is to be done. If the bids are for a contract for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair, or reconstruction of an improvement, the board of directors of the conservancy district may let the contract to the lowest responsive and most responsible bidder who meets the requirements of section 153.54 of the Revised Code. If the bids are for a contract for any other work relating to the improvements for which a conservancy district was established, the board of directors of the district may let the contract to the lowest responsive and most responsible bidder who gives a good and approved bond, with ample security, conditioned on the carrying out of the contract. The contract shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by or refer to plans and specifications for the work to be done prepared by the chief engineer. The plans and specifications shall at all times be made and considered a part of the contract. The contract shall be approved by the board and signed by the president of the board and by the contractor and shall be executed in duplicate. In case of sudden emergency when it is necessary in order to protect the district, the advertising of contracts may be waived upon the consent of the board, with the approval of the court or a judge of the court of common pleas of the county in which the office of the district is located.
R.C. § 6101.16