Ithaca Fee Study: Streamlining 500+ Fees for Better Cost Recovery

The City of Ithaca engaged CGR to perform a comprehensive review of its municipal fee structure. The project focused on three key areas: streamlining the fee-setting process, developing a better understanding of revenue drivers, and exploring opportunities for increased cost recovery.

With over 500 different fees spread across various departments and divisions, we first compiled them into standardized spreadsheets. We then developed a standardized methodology that the City can use going forward to calculate the administrative costs associated with each fee, allowing it to set fee levels appropriately.

CGR’s final report provided a complete overview of the City's fees and recommendations for process improvement. The City of Ithaca is now moving forward with initial updates to a focused set of fees, which are anticipated to provide the City with additional revenue while more fairly accounting for the usage of public resources.

Read more about it in the Ithaca Voice.

November 17, 2025 CGR Briefs Edition