TONIGHT, the Novato City Council will make an important decision: whether to adopt an E-Verify initiative, go to a vote in 2011, or reject the ordinance due to legal issues.

This decision has been forced on them by residents angry at the federal government for not adequately addressing immigration. It would force Novato to take on a task that will burden our businesses with increased costs and complexity at a time when they are struggling. It would cost the city tax dollars through loss of businesses, increased staff work and enforcement it cannot afford - and, I believe, impact Novato's reputation.

The city is struggling with a major budget deficit and is considering a November half-cent sales tax ballot measure to avoid making more onerous cuts in services and to help ensure we keep our police on the job, the senior center open and children's activities alive.

This proposed ordinance, posited as a "Lawful Hiring Compliance Initiative," serves only to distract and divide at a time when we need to focus on pulling together. The city's contractors already are bound by law to hire legally.

This ordinance imposes unacceptable costs, risks and liabilities on both businesses and the city, could lead to the city being the target of lawsuits, and will do nothing to address the problem of unauthorized workers.

The initiative will require over 280 contractors with $5,000 or more of business with the city to implement a 65-page "E-Verify Users Manual for Employers," and verify "each new employee with E-Verify, even if that employee will not perform work in the city of Novato."