That the City Council waive formal bid procedures per La Habra Municipal Code Section 4.20.080(B) and approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with HdL Coren & Cone for property tax auditing and reporting services.

The City of La Habra has contracted with HdL Coren & Cone (HdL) for property tax auditing and reporting services for more than 25 years. Over this time, HdL has consistently provided high-quality, professional service to the City and has established a successful and long-standing history of working with City staff. HdL’s services include annual audits of secured and unsecured property tax information, analysis of mis-allocation errors, detailed property tax reports for budgeting and forecasting purposes, and ongoing consultation on property tax matters. These services are essential to ensuring that the City receives all property tax revenues to which it is entitled and that the City maintains accurate, timely, and reliable property tax data.

Based on HdL’s proven track record, expertise in California property tax law, and familiarity with La Habra’s property tax base, staff recommends continuing this partnership through approval of the attached professional services agreement.

If approved by Council, the total fixed fee for Fiscal Year 2025-26, the first year of a five-year contract term, is $15,125, with annual adjustments thereafter in accordance with the California Consumer Price Index (not to exceed 4% annually). The cost of the first year of the agreement was included in the adopted Non-Departmental – City Administration budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26; therefore, there is sufficient funding in the budget for the first year of the proposed agreement.

General Plan Relevance:
Goal ED 9 Fiscal Strength-Stability. Systematic budget, negotiation, and operating practices that serve to strengthen the City's fiscal operating position over the long-run.

City Council Goals & Objectives:
Goal 2 Objective B: Regularly review and evaluate programs, services, and professional agreements to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for greater efficiencies and cost containment.