Comprehensive Fee Study

Citywide Cost Allocation Plan & Comprehensive User Fee Study

The City of Lake Forest (“City”) is requesting proposals from qualified firms with expertise performing comprehensive cost allocation and cost of services and/or user fee studies for California municipalities. The scope of services includes a citywide cost allocation plan & comprehensive user fee study (the "Project"). The purpose of this Project is to ensure that the City is utilizing comprehensive overhead rates and accurately accounting for the true cost of providing various internal and public-facing City services.

The purpose of the Project is to provide a comprehensive review of the City’s fee structure with the goal of establishing a consistent and objectively based structure that meets the needs of the City and its residents. The City wishes to identify the costs of providing services and its current fees, with a consideration to the compliance requirements under state law. The consultant shall provide a computer based model in Microsoft Excel or a similar program for adjusting these fees and charges. Any licensing costs or maintenance associated with this program shall be included in the separate cost proposal submitted by the consultant.

A copy of the City's 2024 Fee Study is attached for reference.

About the City

The City of Lake Forest is located in southern Orange County, California, in the area commonly referred to as the Saddleback Valley, with a population of approximately 85,000. It is the County's thirty-first city and the second largest city within the Saddleback Valley, encompassing 16.6 square miles. The City of Lake Forest's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

The City was incorporated in 1991, operates under the Council/Manager form of government and is considered a contract city. The five members of the City Council are elected by district. They serve staggered four-year terms, with the Mayor being selected annually from among the Council Members. The Council meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

City Hall is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California 92630. The telephone number is (949) 461-3400, and the fax is (949) 461-3511. The City website address is http://www.lakeforestca.gov .

Project Description

The City is seeking financial consulting services for the Comprehensive Fee Study Project.

The services are expected to be completed within the first year from contract award with annual updates. The City anticipates awarding a contract with an initial term of August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2028 . The City will have the option, at its sole discretion, to extend the agreement for up to two (2) additional one year terms. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the City, at its sole discretion, will not move forward with the renewal option and shall re-procure the work.