It is hereby made the duty of the county attorney or county counselor:

1. (a) To personally examine as to form, the advertisement, proposal, contract, plans, specifications, bond and the minutes of the board's meeting for each bridge or culvert proposed to be built or repaired by contract; and

2. (b) to determine whether the contract has been awarded in strict compliance with this act.

   No contract shall be legal and binding on the county until the contract is signed by the chairperson of the board of county commissioners, by order of the board at a legal meeting thereof, and approved by the county attorney or county counselor by the county attorney's or county counselor's signature endorsed thereon.

L. 1917, ch. 80, § 18; R.S. 1923, 68-1118; L. 2004, ch. 40, § 7; July 1.