South Coast Water District awards $101k special assessment contract to Harris & Associates

South Coast Water District awards $101k special assessment contract to Harris & AssociatesThe California utility selected its incumbent provider to manage property tax roll submissions for water and sewer fees following a competitive bidding process.

Harris & Associates secured the three-year, $101,412 contract, which includes options for two one-year extensions totaling an additional $72,164.

The firm recently assisted the district with approximately $33 million in property tax submissions in August 2026.

Harris outscored DTA Public Finance and Wildan Financial Services in a two-step technical and cost evaluation.

South Coast Water District's Board of Directors has unanimously approved a contract with Harris & Associates to administer special assessments for water, sewer, and delinquent account charges. The three-year agreement is valued at $101,412, with options for two one-year extensions that would add $72,164 to the total cost. The contract covers the management of special assessments for inclusion on the Orange County property tax roll. Customer Service Supervisor Tina Gonzales noted during the August 27 meeting that Harris & Associates is the district's incumbent provider and has significant experience with the district's Proposition 218 requirements and parcel tax files. The firm recently assisted the utility with approximately $33 million in property tax submissions in August 2026, an increase from $30 million in August 2025. The district issued a Request for Proposals in April 2026 and evaluated three bids. Harris & Associates achieved the highest overall score of 90.9, outperforming DTA Public Finance and Wildan Financial Services. Gonzales highlighted that Harris & Associates included an estimated $5,250 for three-year expenses, such as postage and electronic data from the county, within their proposed base cost. The competing firms indicated they would charge these expenses separately from their annual contract prices. The board approved the contract without opposition.