EL DORADO HILLS, CA — The El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) is currently embroiled in a leadership controversy following conflicting reports about the resignation of Director and Board Vice President Chuck King.
On January 23, King submitted a resignation letter to EDHCSD General Manager Mark Hornstra, expressing his intent to step down. Two days later, King attempted to rescind this resignation. However, on February 6, Hornstra and Board President Stephen Ferry issued a press release announcing King’s resignation and the resulting vacancy on the board.
Despite this announcement, King remains listed as a director on the agenda for the upcoming February 13 board meeting. An asterisk next to his name indicates: “Per the advisement of the district’s interim general counsel, this director is exercising office notwithstanding an unresolved claim that his office is alleged to be vacant due to his purported resignation.”
In a statement to Village Life, King clarified his position: “While it is true I did make notification to GM Hornstra that I was resigning my position on the EDHCSD Board of Directors… I did not submit my resignation to the clerk of the board, as is required… for the resignation to be official.” He emphasized his commitment to serving his full term, stating, “I look forward to serving my four-year term in its entirety.”
The initial resignation followed King’s proposal to remove President Ferry from his leadership role, citing concerns over confidentiality breaches. Ferry responded, “Obviously I disagree with Director King… Let’s put it in front of the public. Let’s have a discussion about it and go forward.”
The motion for a special meeting to address this issue failed on January 16.
In the February 6 press release, Ferry commented on King’s departure: “I am sorry his time on the board was not successful, and we wish him well.”
King remains resolute in his decision to continue serving, indicating plans to address the alleged misconduct at the February 13 meeting. He shared that personal challenges and health concerns influenced his initial decision to resign but that subsequent support and medical advice reinforced his determination to remain on the board.
The upcoming EDHCSD Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, at the Norm Rowett Pavilion, 1021 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. The meeting will also be broadcast live via Zoom.
This situation has raised questions about the procedural aspects of board resignations. According to California Government Code Section 1750(f), a resignation must be submitted to the clerk of the board to be considered official. The interpretation of this statute and its application in this context may require further legal clarification.
As the district navigates this complex situation, the community awaits further developments that will shape the leadership and future direction of the EDHCSD.
For more information, visit the official EDHCSD website or contact the district office directly.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 10, 2025. For the latest updates, please refer to official EDHCSD communications.
