The Morristown Town Council on Nov. 13 introduced Ordinance O‑44‑2025, creating Chapter 31 to require project labor agreements (PLAs) on projects funded in whole or in part by public finance or with construction costs exceeding $5,000,000.

Town Attorney David Moncello told the council the ordinance would “require that there be unionized labor on these projects” and would include reporting requirements and a business‑administrator role to monitor compliance. The ordinance also includes a good‑faith goal that at least 10 percent of project work be performed by Morristown residents.

Council members raised procedural and equity concerns. One member said they received the draft only recently and asked for time to research administrative burdens; another asked whether PLAs “limit opportunities for minorities because of the, you know, some unions,” language that drew discussion about exemptions and local hiring provisions. Attorney Moncello acknowledged exemptions for some project types and offered to meet with council members and the business administrator to answer technical questions before the public hearing.

Councilman Polowchuk moved, and the council seconded, an amendment to change section 31‑2 so the business administrator would make a recommendation on whether a project should be exempt, with the council—by simple majority—deciding whether to approve a waiver. The council voted to introduce the ordinance as amended; the measure was introduced by title and will return for a public hearing and further consideration on Dec. 9, 2025.

The ordinance text posted for introduction sets the threshold at public finance or construction costs above $5,000,000 (land acquisition excluded), requires reporting and meetings for compliance oversight, and seeks at least a 10 percent local‑hiring target. The business administrator is charged with implementation and reporting; the council’s amendment adds a formal council vote on waiver recommendations.

Next steps: the council will publish the amended ordinance text and hold a public hearing and second reading on Dec. 9. Staff said they will provide the specific amendment language and meet with council members who requested additional review prior to the hearing.