By Cris Alarcon, Staff Writer. El Dorado Hills, Calif. (March 18, 2025) — The El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) remains in gridlock after a 2-2 deadlock by its Board of Directors, effectively halting plans for a special election to fill the seat left vacant by former director Chuck King. The impasse means the decision now rests with the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors.
During a contentious meeting on March 13, the directors failed to reach a consensus, leaving the board without a decisive path forward. Under California law, county supervisors are now tasked with either appointing a replacement or mandating a special election.
District 1 Supervisor Greg Ferrero, present at the meeting, noted the strong opposition from constituents regarding the potential cost of a special election.
“I’ve heard from many residents over the last week who are concerned about the financial burden a special election could impose,” Ferrero said. “They would prefer the Board of Supervisors make an appointment to ensure representation without the added expense.”
The vacancy follows Chuck King’s departure earlier this year, which further destabilized an already divided board. The stalemate reflects ongoing governance challenges within the EDHCSD, which has faced criticism in recent months over financial management and internal disputes.
Some community members expressed frustration over the delay in filling the seat, arguing that swift action is necessary to restore effective leadership. Others maintain that an election, though costly, would provide a more democratic resolution.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming weeks. If the supervisors choose to appoint a new director, the appointee will serve until the next scheduled election. Should they opt for a special election, voters in El Dorado Hills will ultimately decide who fills the role.
This development marks yet another chapter in the district’s ongoing leadership turmoil, with residents closely watching how the county supervisors will proceed.
El Dorado Hills Community Services District Faces Scrutiny Amid Financial and Governance Challenges
The El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) has been under heightened scrutiny over the past few years due to a series of financial controversies, governance disputes, and legal challenges.
Conflict of Interest Allegations
In July 2023, revelations emerged that the then-General Manager (GM) of EDHCSD had been concurrently employed as a consultant for the district’s engineering assessment firm, DTA, since early 2022. This dual role raised significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest, particularly given DTA’s responsibility for calculating Landscape and Lighting Assessment Districts (LLAD) assessments, which are crucial for district revenue. The GM’s external employment had not been publicly disclosed, leading to public outcry and an internal investigation. The GM resigned in December 2023, but details of the investigation and the terms of his departure remain undisclosed, further fueling public concern.
Assessment Certification Disputes
Compounding the district’s challenges, EDHCSD failed to properly certify LLAD assessments for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023. The El Dorado County Auditor/Controller declined to apply these uncertified assessments to property tax rolls, resulting in a significant loss of revenue for the district. In response, EDHCSD initiated legal action against the County Controller, a move that has been criticized for its potential financial burden on taxpayers.
Financial Reserves and Master Plan Concerns
Despite the loss of LLAD assessment revenue, EDHCSD reported annual net revenues of $2-5 million, accumulating a surplus of approximately $50 million in cash and liquid investments as of 2023. This substantial reserve has sparked debates about the necessity of ongoing assessments and the feasibility of the district’s ambitious $300 million Master Plan for park enhancements and development. Critics argue that the plan is overly optimistic given the current tax base and revenue sources, calling for a reassessment of the district’s financial strategies.
Developer Relations and Transparency Issues
The district’s relationship with major developers, particularly Parker Development Company, has also come under scrutiny. In November 2023, EDHCSD purchased 55 acres in El Dorado Hills from Parker for park development, a transaction some community members viewed as disproportionately favorable to the developer. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the district’s decision to relieve Parker of its obligation to develop a turnkey park in the Bass Lake area, opting instead to take control of available Mello-Roos funds and property title. Critics argue that this decision has delayed park development and may not serve the community’s best interests.
Governance Challenges
Tensions within the EDHCSD Board of Directors have further exacerbated the district’s challenges. A board meeting on February 13, 2025, reportedly “devolved into chaos,” with members leaving abruptly and the meeting descending into disorder. Such incidents highlight ongoing governance issues and underscore the need for improved accountability and transparency within the district’s leadership.
Community Response
The series of controversies has led to increased public scrutiny and calls for reform. Community members have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and the district’s handling of financial and governance matters. There is a growing demand for more robust oversight and a reevaluation of the district’s strategic priorities to ensure alignment with the community’s best interests.
Looking Ahead
As EDHCSD navigates these challenges, the district’s leadership faces mounting pressure to address governance shortcomings, reassess financial strategies, and rebuild public trust. The outcomes of ongoing legal proceedings and internal evaluations will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the district’s future direction and its relationship with the El Dorado Hills community.
For more information on the EDHCSD’s recent challenges, refer to the 2023-24 Grand Jury Report on El Dorado County.
This article is part of an ongoing series examining local governance and community services in El Dorado Hills.
