The City Council narrowly approved a local preference in the city’s bidding ordinance tonight.
Council members voted 5-4 to approve the measure.
An attorney representing the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee lashed out today at the ordinance that gives preference to local bidders on city contractors in case of a tie.
“The AGC wants an even playing field here,” said Cameron Hill, attorney for Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. “It wants an even playing field in other cities.”
The change in the city’s bidding ordinance will add an amendment that automatically would give preference to any business that uses local workers and resources within a 75-mile radius.
City officials said that legally during a tie city officials could conduct a “coin toss” to determine the winner.
The council debated the measure today during the legal and legislative committee meeting.
Some council members argued the ordinance only is trying to reward local jobs in certain cases.
“It’s better than a coin toss,” said Councilwoman Carol Berz. “It’s certainly more human.”
For complete details, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Cliff has worked for the Times Free Press for five years and covers Chattanooga city government. He previously covered Rhea County, as well as transportation and growth and development in Southeast Tennessee. A native of Maryville, Tenn., Cliff graduated in 2003 from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis on journalism. Before coming to Chattanooga, he was a crime reporter with Hernando Today, a supplement of The Tampa (Fla.) ...
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