El Dorado County, CA – District 3 representative and Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Wendy Thomas, recently delivered the State of the County address at the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce business awards luncheon. Thomas addressed several critical topics, shedding light on the county’s financial stability, workforce satisfaction, housing challenges, and efforts to build a healthier community.
Protecting What We Love, Ensuring Sustainability
Thomas began by emphasizing the county’s commitment to preserving the aspects residents hold dear while ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations. She recognized the challenges posed by the economy, housing, and recent countywide emergencies.
Financial Stability and Fiscal Responsibility
One pressing issue discussed was the county’s financial stability. Thomas reported that Transient Occupancy Tax revenues and sales tax had seen declines of 7% and a quarter-percent, respectively. However, she highlighted the county’s conservative fiscal approach, which has helped manage rising costs and declining revenue without cutting essential services.
Thomas acknowledged that approximately 40% of the county’s revenue is tied to government services or agencies with specific purposes, leaving limited discretion for the remaining 60%. Despite these challenges, a 6% increase in property taxes and collaborative efforts have helped alleviate some financial strain.
Development and Affordable Housing
One strategy to boost the county’s revenue discussed by Thomas was development, specifically the need for more affordable housing. She stressed that residents aspire to maintain a high level of service but also desire to avoid becoming an enclave for the affluent. Thomas cautioned that opposing development at all costs might lead to that undesirable outcome.
She argued that affordable housing initiatives can help address the county’s homelessness crisis. Citing the success of the navigation center in Placerville, Thomas highlighted that 10 clients had transitioned to permanent housing, emphasizing the importance of creating more options for the homeless population.
New County Leadership
The address also touched on new county leadership, applauding the recent appointments of Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Schmid, El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, and Health and Human Services Director Olivia Byron-Cooper. Thomas praised the new leaders as a “breath of fresh air” and expressed confidence in their collaborative and inspired approach.
Workforce Satisfaction and Employee Retention
The County’s efforts to attract and retain employees were recognized as well. Human Resources, in collaboration with the board and department leaders, has implemented measures to offer competitive wages and enhance internal work culture. This has resulted in decreasing vacancy rates and improving employee satisfaction, aiming for a better experience for residents.
Recent Emergencies and Preparedness
Addressing the county’s response to recent emergencies, including wildfires, floods, and heavy snowfall, Thomas noted the establishment of the Office of Wildfire Preparedness and Resilience. This collaborative effort has garnered attention from the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, D.C., as a model worth watching.
In summary, Wendy Thomas’s State of the County address outlined El Dorado County’s determination to tackle pressing issues while preserving its unique character. The challenges related to financial stability, housing, workforce satisfaction, and community resilience were presented alongside proactive measures and achievements, demonstrating the county’s commitment to its residents and their future.
