Diamond Bar council approves Willdan contract for first-ever development impact fee study after questions about cost

The Diamond Bar City Council on April 21 approved a contract with Willdan Financial Services to prepare the city’s first development impact fee study, despite one council member questioning whether the city was paying more than necessary.

Mayor Pro Tem Lo asked why the recommended bid was roughly $40,000 higher than the lowest proposal and whether the city was “buying more than we need.” Lo said the difference suggested the city should weigh whether it “always have to get the Mercedes Benz, or are we okay with the Toyota?”

Danette, a staff analyst, said Willdan proposed substantially more project hours and a more detailed scope. “Willdan had proposed 261 project hours associated with the work… Willdan’s was much more comprehensive in terms of understanding the needs of the city,” she said, noting Willdan’s proposal ran 31 pages compared with a 17-page submission from Matrix Consulting. Staff recommended Willdan because Diamond Bar has not previously conducted this type of study and the city needs a legally defensible basis to calculate fees.

Council members asked whether Willdan would subcontract any portion of the work; staff said Willdan would perform all work in-house. Mayor Pro Tem Lo moved to approve item 7.4; the motion was seconded and the council voted 5-0 to award the contract.

Why it matters: the study will establish the analytical foundation that the city will use to set development impact fees for future projects. Staff emphasized that because Diamond Bar is conducting this study for the first time, attorneys and reviewers will need a fuller record to support any fees charged to developers.

The city clerk recorded the vote as unanimous. The council did not specify a final implementation timeline in the meeting; staff said the consultant’s scope includes significant project hours and legal review.