Whenever work to be performed or material to be furnished involves an expenditure of a sum exceeding two thousand dollars, the commission shall designate the time when it will meet at the usual place of meeting to receive proposals in writing for doing the work and furnishing the material. The commission shall order its clerk to give notice by advertisement, inserted in at least two newspapers printed and circulating respectively in each of such counties, at least ten days before the meeting, of the work to be done and materials to be furnished. At the time of such order, the commission shall file in its office particular specifications of such work and material.

All proposals received shall be publicly opened by the commission and the contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. All contractors shall be required to give bond, satisfactory in amount and security, to the commission.