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Residents press council to end city‑logo use in warranty mailings; council members debate vetting and consumer confusion
Summary
A resident called the city's commission arrangement with a home‑warranty company 'deceptive' and urged stopping use of the city seal, termination of the contract and direct homeowner notice; council members said the mailing stated purchase was optional and defended prior vetting.
A Bradford resident renewed criticisms of a home-warranty company's marketing during the council meeting, urging city leaders to stop the company from using the city seal, terminate the commission arrangement, and notify residents that the city does not endorse the service.
Jim Tingley told the council he had reviewed the agreement the city signed with the company and called the marketing "absolutely deceptive," saying the mailing placed Bradford insignia prominently and could confuse homeowners into thinking coverage was mandatory. He asked the council to cancel the contract using the 30-day cancellation clause and to send a clarifying letter to homeowners on the city water/sewer system.
Council members and staff pushed back. One council speaker said the initial social-media posts and letters had omitted key context and characterized the concern as conspiratorial, adding that the warranty company's material stated it was optional and that the mailing included language informing residents that "your local utility or community does not endorse" the company. The council reported 14 households had signed up in 45 days and noted policyholders can cancel at any time.
Tingley acknowledged he was not claiming the company was illegal but said customer reviews showed mixed experiences, including reports of denied claims and delayed repairs. Council members said the city received the company referral through the Pennsylvania Municipal League and contacted other municipalities that reported no issues. A councilor said the potential city revenue from commissions would be a small fraction of the budget.
The council did not announce immediate contract termination at the meeting. Speakers agreed the marketing text could cause confusion for some residents and suggested the council consider whether the city seal's use and recipient outreach could be clearer.
Next steps: Councilors said they would follow up on the contract language, confirm what the mailing included, and consider notifying residents; no formal motion to terminate the arrangement was recorded.
