The county engineer shall have the following duties and authority, but shall not be limited to such duties:

(1) To employ, supervise, and direct all such personnel and such assistants as are necessary and authorized to properly maintain and construct the county roads, highways, bridges, and ferries of the county, to have the authority to prescribe their duties and to discharge employees for cause or when not needed.

(2) To perform or have performed such engineering and surveying services as may be required; and to prepare and maintain the necessary maps and records.

(3) To prepare and present to the county commission on or before September 15 each year a proposed budget for the county highway department and to maintain the necessary records to show the expenditures made in constructing and maintaining of the county highway system.

(4) To build or construct new roads, or change old roads, upon the order of the county commission

(5) Insofar as is feasible to construct and maintain all county roads for the benefit of the county as a whole or as a unit.

(6) To have the authority, under the laws of the State of Alabama, to receive and evaluate bids and present to county commission for approval.

(7) To have authority to promulgate rules and requirements regarding the approval, design, and construction of roads, highways, and bridges that are to be accepted into the county road system for permanent maintenance.

(8) To have full power and authority within budgeted funds to make purchases of all material, machinery, equipment, and supplies needed for the construction, maintenance, and repair of county roads, bridges, and ferries after complying with county purchasing procedure and state purchasing laws.