With hopes of protecting residents, Logansport will require all building and construction contractors working within its limits to register with the city beginning Jan. 1.

“The Logansport City Council passed this because they felt like the registration of contractors would benefit the citizens of Logansport,” building commissioner Gary Hostetler said.

The ordinance states all construction or building contractors — know matter where they are headquartered — who are involved with site preparation, construction, demolition, alterations, repair or maintenance of building sites, buildings and structures in the city limits of Logansport, will need to register.

“Before they do any work, they have to be registered,” Hostetler said.

Each contractor must complete an application and pay a $35 fee, he said. In addition, the contractor will need to bring in proof of bodily, property damage and workman’s compensation insurance. The contractor must carry a minimum of $500,000 for any occurrence resulting in death or injury and a minimum of $100,000 for any damage to the property.

Dave Shepler, owner of Shepler Construction and Electrical, is in favor of the requirement.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said.

Shepler believes it can be beneficial, especially if the contractor comes from out of town. If a resident hires the contractor, they can call and find out if the business is legitimate.

With all contractors being required to carry workman’s compensation insurance, he says it puts everyone on the same level as far as employees.

“It’s something I have to do as a business owner. Why shouldn’t everyone?” he asked.

Dave Reinking, owner of Reinking Construction, says the requirement is “way overdue.”

“I think homeowners, now with the way economy is, should know the contractor they are dealing with is reputable, has insurance, and they can check with the city to see they are who they say they are,” he explained.

Contractor registrations will be issued by Hostetler the same day, as long as all the required information is provided. The registration will be good from one year after it is issued and cannot be assigned or transferred to another party.

While he accept application at any time, Hostetler will not be able to issue the registration certificates until after the first of the year.

According to the ordinance, a person not registered but who is employed by a registered contractor can complete work under the guidance of the contractor. However, they cannot engage in any type of construction activity on their own. Subcontractors will also be required to register.

Those exempt from the requirement include any public utility company and their sub-contractors. In addition, property owners and tenants working on their own property will be excluded from the requirements.

Hostetler said the ordinance is actually beneficial in several ways.

“For one, it will help us keep track of contractors,” he said. “Second of all, if there is a code violation we will be able to revoke the registration and the contractor wouldn’t be able to work in Logansport.”

He explained if a resident has a complaint about a contractor, the person can call, make a report and the incident will be examined.

“I’ve had four or five phone calls this year about contractors not finishing the work, but right now my hands are tied and I can’t help them,” he said.

Hostetler emphasized the fact that the registration will not guarantee workmanship, but will protect the homeowner against a lawsuit.

Another reason why Hostetler feels the requirement is fair is because electricians are required to renew a license each year.

The city started looking at the issue five years ago, he said. The first time he presented the idea to the council, members didn’t want it to be called a license because that includes taking an exam.

Discussions with contractors and a council member led to the requirements. Hostetler also studied several different cities and towns, including Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Peru, Wabash and Monticello.

“We were the only one at the time not requiring registration,” he said.

According to Shepler, his business does work in several other counties, including White, Pulaski and Tippecanoe. he has been required to register before doing any work.

“So I don’t think it’s a bad thing,” he said.

While the requirement will help, Shepler said it will require the city to enforce it by checking job sites and making sure the contractor is registered.

Hostetler feels positive about the response he has received and just hopes to help protect others.

“Basically, the purpose is to protect homeowners from hiring contractors, who misrepresent themselves as contractors, to unsuspecting homeowners,” he said.

Reinking also feels it will offer more protection to Logansport homeowners.

“It’s a little more piece of mind,” he said.

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com