Structural Analysis Study for Fire Services Merger-City of Lake City and Columbia County

The City of Lake City (herein after, "City'') has issued this Request for Proposals (hereinafter, "RFP") with the sole purpose and intent of obtaining responses from interested and qualified firms licensed to do business in the State of Florida offering to provide a structural analysis study for fire services merger for the City of Lake City and Columbia County. The two fire departments seek to evaluate the feasibility of merging into a unified fire district to serve Columbia County. The purpose of this study is to provide objective, data-driven recommendations on organizational structure, staffing, facilities, financial impact, and governance to guide elected officials in determining the most effective and efficient fire service delivery model for the community.

The City of Lake City is approximately 12.4 square miles in size and serves a population of approximately 12,500. The City of Lake City is an urban city located in Columbia County, Florida, a rural community.

The legislative branch of the City is composed of an elected five-member City Council consisting of the Mayor and four council members. The City Council is governed by the City Charter and by state and local laws and regulations.

The City of Lake City operates under a City Council-City Manager form of government and provides a full range of municipal services including: general government administration, law enforcement and fire protection, community redevelopment, stormwater management, sanitation and solid waste, as well as construction and maintenance of infrastructure, recreational, and other cultural facilities. The City also operates a municipal airport.