Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a member of the legislative body of any public body or any officer or employee thereof shall not be deemed interested in a contract for the sale of any public securities issued by such public body; provided, that such public securities are sold at public sale to the highest bidder after notice inviting bids has been published as required by the law under which said bonds are issued, or for one time in a newspaper of general circulation not less than five (5) days prior to the date of such sale.