Final answer:
Independent contractors involved in public works and tax collection in ancient Rome were known as publicans. They played a key role in Rome's fiscal operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The independent contractors in ancient Rome who were involved in public works and tax collection were known as publicans. Contrary to equestrians, who were members of a higher social class, excluding them from such contracts, publicans specifically carried out these important civic duties. Publicans played a considerable role in Rome's fiscal operations, and they were instrumental in the administration and maintenance of public infrastructure, as well as in ensuring that taxes were efficiently collected and transmitted to the state's coffers.