A. In the event of an emergency, as defined in RCW 39.04.280, as now in effect and as hereinafter amended, the mayor may issue a declaration of emergency. The declaration shall recite the facts constituting the emergency and may include a waiver of the requirements of this chapter, with reference to any contract relating to the city’s lease or purchase of goods or services, contracts for public works, or to the selection and award of either professional service or consultant contracts.

B. The mayor, or designated director, shall report such emergency expenditures to the city council within 45 days of determining an emergency.

C. Waivers shall continue to have force and effect until terminated by order of the mayor or action of the council, or until it expires, which shall be 20 days after the declaration. The mayor may extend a waiver beyond the 20-day period as necessary to complete a contract for any work already undertaken to address the emergency.

D. In the event a waiver authorized under this section expires or is terminated, no further contracts or purchases may be made without complying with the nonemergency contracting provisions of this chapter.

E. Reasonably necessary expenditures to respond to the emergency will not result in contracts or purchases being null and void, notwithstanding the lack of an appropriation. If the responsible director determines that the expenditures were more than the amount appropriated, the mayor will request an appropriation, specifying the source of funds. (Ord. 3374 § 1 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 3297 § 2 (Exh. A), 2018)