http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=65915

Fort Collins jumps into immigration debate

written by: Adam Chodak , 9NEWS Northern Reporter
posted by: Dan Boniface , Web Producer created: 3/6/2007 5:04:48 PM
Last updated: 3/6/2007 9:53:02 PM


Fort Collins jumps into immigration debate. 9NEWS at 6 p.m. 03/06/07

FORT COLLINS – The City Council planned to vote on a law Tuesday night that would allow the city to investigate and punish city-hired contractors who use undocumented workers.


Illegal immigrants fall into that category. The ordinance would apply to major construction and service contracts for city projects.

Following up on spot checks and complaints, the city would conduct an audit to verify the legal status of workers. If the city finds the contractor has used an undocumented worker, it could end the contract and impose a fine of $1,000 for each offense.

About 100 people showed up to voice their opinions at the city council meeting.

Supporters say this ordinance is much needed.

“We don’t want contractors coming who are obeying the law on the one hand and other contractors who are not and underwriting the competition,” said Fort Collins Councilor Diggs Brown.

However, opponents of the measure say the state enacted a bill last year that addresses this problem by making contractors doing government work certify that they don’t knowingly employ or contract with an “unauthorized alien.”

“We’ve got a state law. Let’s see how it works. Let’s follow through on that. I don’t think local government needs to get into that kind of business,” said Fort Collins Mayor Pro Tem Karen Weitkunat.

In addition, Weitkunat points to the price tag attached to enforcement. The city estimates it would cost $1,600 to audit a firm with 100 employees.

But Brown asked, “What is the cost if we don’t enforce this?”

This bill requires two votes to pass. The vote planned for Tuesday night was the first vote.