The Imperial City Council approved a five-year agreement Wednesday with HDL (property- and sales-tax consultants) that includes a modest rate increase, city staff said.

Presenter Mr. Manriquez told the council the contract rate will increase by approximately $750 per year compared with the expiring contract. Staff said HDL has provided these services to the city since 1996 and that the new contract includes a 5% annual escalation.

Councilors asked how long the $7,500 baseline rate had been in place; staff confirmed the consultant’s historic charge had been unchanged for many years and that the new agreement will formalize the slight increase and the multi-year term.

A motion to approve the five-year agreement with HDL passed unanimously, 5-0. Staff said the consulting services cover property and sales tax analysis and audits and will continue under the renewed contract.

Why it matters: HDL provides revenue-analysis services that help the city identify and audit property- and sales-tax receipts. Small changes in consultant fees do not change tax rates but affect general fund consulting expenditures.