(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, if the cost of building or repairing a bridge under this part is more than $200, the governing body of a county shall:

(i) build or repair the bridge by contract; and

(ii) advertise a contract to build or repair the bridge in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the county.

(2) The advertisement required under this subsection shall specify:

(i) the location where the bridge is to be built or repaired, including full specifications of the plan and materials; and

(ii) that sealed proposals for building or repairing the bridge will be received until the date designated in the advertisement.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision in this article, the governing body of Dorchester County shall either:

(i) authorize the appropriate unit of the county to build or repair a bridge; or

(ii) award the necessary and appropriate contracts for all aspects of the building or repairing of the bridge in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, regardless of the cost of building or repairing the bridge.

(c) If the cost of building or repairing a bridge is $200 or less, the governing body of a county may determine:

(1) the manner of building or repairing the bridge; and

(2) if the building or repair is by contract, the manner in which a contract is awarded.