State College borough proposes contractor ordinance similar to one passed by the county

State College, PA (WJAC) — In State College, the borough council is considering approving a “controversial ordinance” governing construction contractors for some borough backed public works projects.

It’s known as the “Responsible Contractor Ordinance,” with specific requirements for contractors that backers say improves on-the-job safety.

Earlier this year, Centre County government held hearings on a similar ordinance proposal, which grew heated.

“I believe this whole ordinance is unconstitutional and could cause our county lawsuits.”

The county approved the measure and now, State College Borough is moving ahead with its own RCO proposal.

Like the county, borough funded projects generally must accept the lowest responsible bidder on construction projects.

Backers of the ordinance say it better defines responsible, but those against claim it favors unions, and could lock out smaller, local contractors.

The borough RCO proposal would be for contractors and subcontractors involved in borough public works or facility projects that cost more than $75,000.

A borough RCO, which is classified as an amendment to the borough purchasing code, could be adopted by borough council at a meeting later this month.

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