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Council approves $31,500 contract to review city fee-collection processes
Summary
Seaside authorized Regional Government Services to audit fee-collection processes after staff said the finance office lacks capacity for a comprehensive systems review; the action complements an ongoing Willdan fee-level study.
The Seaside City Council unanimously approved a professional services agreement Sept. 18 with Regional Government Services (RGS) to review the city’s internal fee-collection processes, a contract capped at $31,500 on a time‑and‑materials basis.
Finance director Jessica Riley told the council the city is already conducting a Willdan fee study focused on fee levels. RGS’s review will focus on the operational side: how fees are collected, internal reconciliations, software integration and potential points where revenue could be lost. Riley said the engagement will produce “a clear, actionable report” with recommendations to modernize online payment options and strengthen internal controls.
Public commenter Carla Lobo questioned the need for an outside review and asked whether the city lacked internal capacity. “When you say that the city doesn't have capacity, is it that the city doesn't have capacity to do this audit?” Lobo asked. Riley and the city manager explained the finance office has limited staff — some positions were frozen to balance the budget — and that RGS brings specialized experience working with dozens of California public agencies.
The contract language requires the city to pay only for hours actually worked and is intended to coordinate with the broader Willdan study to ensure recommendations are implementable. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution authorizing the agreement.
