Board clears four zone-of-benefit tax measures for November ballot

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved resolutions to place special-tax ballot measures before voters in November for four road-focused zones of benefit seeking increased revenue for local road maintenance.

Elizabeth Hess of the Department of Transportation explained that each zone’s advisory committee had met the required number of times and submitted requests for ballot measures. The zones are Fernwood/Cawthren, Links Trail, Meadowview Acres and Walnut Drive. Committee representatives told the board they need higher rates to maintain roads and avoid dissolution; Walnut Drive had failed a prior ballot by a narrow margin and is making a second attempt.

Why it matters: Zones of benefit fund road maintenance in small neighborhoods where countywide road budgets cannot cover local needs. Approval by affected voters would permit a special tax increase dedicated to preserving and improving their roads.

Public comment: Christine Cudia, key contact for the Fernwood/Cawthren committee, said the $150 per parcel current special tax is inadequate to maintain about 20 road miles in the zone and that voters should have the chance to decide whether to raise the rate. No compelling opposition was raised at the hearing.

Outcome: The board directed staff to proceed with the required ballot measures, approving resolutions to set the measures for the November election. Staff noted the zones will next mail ballots and continue committee outreach.

Next steps: Each zone’s measure will be placed on the November ballot; if approved by the required voter threshold, the special tax increases will be levied to fund road improvements and maintenance specific to each zone.