Municipal Fire Protection Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Program and Rate Study

The City of Lakeland is evaluating alternative long-term funding strategies for the provision of municipal fire protection services, including the possible implementation of a non-ad valorem fire protection assessment beginning with its FY 2028 budget. The City's objective is not simply to prepare an assessment rate study, but to develop a comprehensive funding strategy that identifies the legally assessable costs of fire protection services, recommends equitable methods of cost apportionment, evaluates alternative funding scenarios, and provides the City Commission with sufficient technical and policy information to determine whether implementation of a fire protection assessment is in the City's best interest. The City invites qualified firms with demonstrated expertise in the development and implementation of legally defensible municipal fire assessments utilizing the Uniform Method of Collection provided in Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes to submit proposals, qualifications and fee schedules to be considered for a one (1) year contract with two (2) one-year renewal options. The selected firm (“Consultant”) will serve as the City's principal advisor throughout the project, including feasibility analysis, policy development, adoption, implementation, and post-adoption support of the assessment program. The selected consultant will provide all professional consulting services necessary for the City to evaluate, establish, and implement a municipal fire protection assessment program. Services are expected to include financial analysis, legal support, assessment methodology development, GIS and parcel analysis, public communication, ordinance development, implementation assistance, and post-adoption support. The objectives of this engagement include: Evaluating the feasibility of a fire protection assessment Identifying legally assessable costs Developing an equitable assessment methodology Providing the City Commission with policy alternatives Assisting in implementation if authorized Transferring sufficient knowledge to enable the City to administer the program in future years.