PLACERVILLE, Calif. — The two candidates seeking to become El Dorado County’s next Treasurer-Tax Collector presented sharply defined approaches to leadership, transparency and fiscal management during a public candidate forum May 7 at Placerville Town Hall.
The forum, moderated by the League of Women Voters of El Dorado County, featured current Treasurer-Tax Collector Sean Coppola and challenger Corey Leikauf answering questions on investment philosophy, transparency, management experience and public accountability.
The office oversees county tax collection duties and manages an investment portfolio estimated at roughly $1.1 billion, including funds tied to schools, fire districts, county departments and special districts throughout El Dorado County.
Coppola emphasizes continuity and modernization
Coppola, who currently serves as El Dorado County’s Treasurer-Tax Collector, told attendees he believes his experience inside the office gives him an operational advantage.
“I’m the only candidate coming at you today with firsthand knowledge of the Treasury Tax Collector’s Office,” Coppola said during his closing statement.
Coppola said he previously worked in the private sector as a controller for a national property management company before joining county government three years ago as assistant treasurer-tax collector. He said his background includes treasury operations, commercial banking and managing teams ranging from 20 to more than 200 employees.
Throughout the forum, Coppola repeatedly stressed customer service, modernization and maintaining stable long-term investment returns.
He highlighted implementation of online payment systems, paperless billing options and plans to publish quarterly investment reports online beginning this summer.
“We are here to serve you,” Coppola said. “I want you to feel heard when you come into our office.”
Coppola also stated the county is on pace to generate approximately $38 million in interest revenue this fiscal year through its investment strategy.
According to Coppola, the office relies on conservative investment practices centered on “safety, liquidity and return,” while using long-term investment ladders to stabilize revenue during market fluctuations.
Leikauf calls for transparency and independent oversight
Leikauf framed his campaign around accountability, operational efficiency and what he described as the need for “a fresh look” at county financial operations.
Leikauf said his experience includes work at U.S. Bank, public accounting and auditing financial institutions, along with three and a half years in the El Dorado County Auditor-Controller’s Office.
“I think it’s time for a new perspective and a fresh look at things,” Leikauf said during the forum.
Leikauf emphasized internal controls, auditing procedures and transparency as central themes of his campaign. He criticized the difficulty residents face when attempting to review county investment information online and said improving accessibility of public financial reports would be among his first priorities.
“The number one question that I get honestly is, ‘What’s a treasurer?’” Leikauf said. “People don’t even know what this role does.”
Leikauf also said his management philosophy centers on “servant leadership,” adding that integrity and accountability are essential qualities for a position responsible for public funds.
Candidates discuss investment strategy and public trust
Both candidates agreed the office should remain fiscally conservative and adhere closely to California investment laws governing public funds.
Leikauf said the primary responsibilities of the office are safeguarding public funds, maintaining liquidity and earning reasonable returns without taking unnecessary risks.
Coppola similarly defended the county’s current strategy of balancing liquidity accounts with long-term investments to protect the county from volatile market swings and fluctuating interest rates.
The candidates also addressed public engagement and transparency, with both pledging to improve communication between the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office and county residents.
Leikauf said residents deserve easier access to financial data and more direct communication from elected officials, while Coppola pointed to ongoing modernization efforts and increased community outreach during the campaign season.
Endorsements and experience become campaign themes
The forum also highlighted differences in campaign messaging surrounding endorsements and experience.
Coppola noted endorsements from several regional treasurer-tax collectors, business leaders and three county supervisors, while Leikauf emphasized support from business owners, retired officials and local fire chiefs.
Coppola also referenced his Certified Treasury Professional designation and argued that direct treasury-management experience is critical for overseeing county investments.
Leikauf countered that his auditing and financial-controls background provides an independent perspective capable of strengthening oversight and improving efficiency.
The Treasurer-Tax Collector race will appear on the June 2026 ballot.
For additional election information, voters can visit the official El Dorado County Elections Department.
