The Department may enter into contracts with entities such as an existing public water system, satellite system management agency, municipal corporation, other government agency or person, for the planning, development, construction, maintenance and/or operation of a water supply system, or for the wheeling of water, or for the direct purchase of water. The Director shall not be authorized to obligate the County to any such contract, but shall perform all preparatory work necessary prior to presentation of such proposed contracts to the Pierce County Executive for execution.