A controversial proposed ordinance that would establish new requirements for contractors to be eligible to bid on some Centre County government construction projects took a step forward on Tuesday.
The Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to advertise the proposed Responsible Contractor Ordinance (RCO) governing county construction projects over $250,000. After a 30-day public review period, a public hearing on the ordinance will be held on June 27 at a time to be determined.
Board Chair Mark Higgins and Vice-chair Amber Concepcion voted in favor, while Commissioner Steve Dershem voted against.
The county is currently required to accept the lowest responsible bidder for any given construction project, but the county code and relevant statutes and regulations provide little guidance for defining “responsible.” The proposed ordinance would, among other things, require that 70% of the craft labor workforce on projects over $250,000 be certified journeypersons, workers who have completed a state- or federally-approved apprenticeship training or those currently enrolled in such an apprenticeship program.
Contractors would self-certify with a notarized statement that they are in compliance with the conditions.
Proponents of the ordinance, which is based on similar ordinances in several other Pennsylvania counties, say it would cut waste, ensure work quality and worker safety and promote local skilled workforce development.
“This helps to ensure that quality work in highly skilled...
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