The Lynnwood Public Facilities District did not comply with state law in its bid process for the $12.5 million Lynnwood Convention Center, according to the state Auditor’s Office.
The district disputes the findings, contending it was covered by different state laws than those cited in the report.
The auditor’s report, dated Aug. 20, said the district did not adequately notify the public of its intention to use a certain type of bidding process. The district gave three to seven days notice, when 20 days was required, said Mindy Chambers, a spokeswoman for the Auditor’s Office.
The district also did not provide prospective bidders with the maximum cost or the relative weight of factors used in the selection process, according to the report.
The district was established in 1999 to build and operate the convention center, currently under construction at 196th Street SW and 36th Avenue W. Work on the building began this year and is expected to be completed in early 2005. The cost for the entire project, including land acquisition, is about $31 million.
In its written response, the district noted that it is not required to use the procedures cited by the auditor.
“Our attorney advised when we did the bid that the way we did it was the proper way,” said developer Mike Echelbarger, chairman of the district board.
The contract still went to the low bidder, Howard S. Wright of Bellevue, facilities district attorney Matt Hendricks said.
“We had a very competitive process,” he said. “We were able to evaluate qualifications and price, and got the best of both.”
No action will be taken against the district, Chambers said.
“We’re a reporting agency, not an enforcement agency,” she said.
As for the future, Echelbarger said, “I suppose it would be prudent for us to do what the auditor says.”
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