Our comprehensive User Fee Studies help cities and counties calculate the full cost of services, set equitable fees, and ensure compliance - driving sustainable budgets and fiscal transparency.
What Are User Fee Studies?
User Fee Studies are essential tools for local governments to determine the "reasonable cost" of providing services, ensuring fees reflect true expenses while complying with legal standards like California's Proposition 218. At GCP, we go beyond basic reporting by analyzing trends, "what if" scenarios, and changes to deliver actionable insights that maximize revenue without overburdening residents. Our studies cover a wide range of services, from development and building permits to public works, recreation, and more, helping agencies like yours achieve full cost recovery and long-term financial stability. With over 200 California cities and 40 counties as clients (including 24 of the state's 25 largest agencies) we bring proven expertise to tailor fees that support your community's goals.
Key Benefits of Our User Fee Studies
Fair and Compliant Pricing
Align fees with actual costs, ensuring defensibility against audits and legal challenges like Paladin Group disputes.
Customized Solutions
Incorporate surcharges for technology or planning, tailored to your agency's unique needs.
Revenue Optimization
Identify opportunities for adjustments that can increase budgets by millions, as seen in our work with agencies like Oakland (analyzing $56M in funds).
Long-Term Sustainability
Support multi-year strategies that enhance fiscal health without raising taxes.
Transparency and Efficiency
Provide peer comparisons and forecasts to build stakeholder trust and streamline operations.
Our Proven Process
Discovery and Inventory
We start by reviewing your current fees, services, and data to create a comprehensive inventory.
Cost Analysis
Calculate full direct and indirect costs using advanced methodologies, including hourly rates and overhead.
Peer Comparison and Forecasting
Benchmark against similar agencies and model revenue impacts of changes.
Recommendations and Outreach
Develop equitable fee structures, conduct stakeholder sessions, and ensure compliance (e.g., Prop 218 notices).
Implementation and Support
Guide approval processes, provide audit defense, and offer ongoing monitoring.
Real Results: Case Studies
City of Inglewood, CA
Led by Brad Wilkes and Jeff Wakefield, our study streamlined fee structures for building, planning, and public works, resulting in a 15% increase in cost recovery amid urban growth.
City of Oakland, CA
Cindy Sconce and Ruben Rivas analyzed over 800 fees ($56M in funds), restructuring for efficiency and full adoption in 2024 with no objections.
City of Vallejo, CA
Ruben Rivas completed multiple studies over 10 years, including citywide, police, public works, code enforcement, and fire fees, fostering ongoing trust.
City of Santa Rosa, CA
Cindy Sconce reduced building fees from hundreds to 138, incorporating surcharges and stakeholder outreach for seamless adoption.
City of Monterey, CA
Ruben Rivas addressed a financial shortfall in the Environmental Health Bureau, enabling full cost recovery through updated fees.
Meet Our User Fee Studies Experts
Brad Wilkes
Founder with 40+ years, focusing on full cost calculations and approvals.
Brad Wilkes Bio
Jeff Wakefield
Pioneered innovative structures like square-footage fees; 50+ successful projects.
Jeff Wakefield Bio
Cindy Sconce
Led hundreds of studies across states, with expertise in Development Services and Community Services.
Cindy Sconce Bio
Ruben Rivas
Over 40 agencies served, specializing in cost-of-service analyses and revenue forecasting.
Ruben Rivas Bio
Mark Carpenter
Specializes in user fee studies and rate development, leveraging 36+ years to optimize revenue with audit-ready models.
Mark Carpenter Bio