EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. (November 15, 2023) – An internal investigation into El Dorado Hills Community Services District (EDHCSD) General Manager Kevin Loewen’s professional activities has evolved into an independent inquiry led by an external law firm, as disclosed at the Nov. 9 board meeting by President Noelle Mattock.
The investigation, prompted by concerns raised by residents about ethics and contract violations, involves Loewen’s outside employment activities and his connection to consultant David Taussig & Associates. The Taxpayers Association of El Dorado County has urged a public investigation into the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment Districts (LLAD) and Loewen’s activities. Board Director Stephen Ferry has enlisted an outside attorney, signaling a growing complexity in the situation. The inquiry initiated from resident Robert Williams’ scrutiny of Loewen’s consulting business, Synergy Behavioral Systems.
Recent revelations involve LLAD Advisory Committee member Steve Gutierrez resigning over alleged conflicts of interest between Loewen and DTA, leading to the non-renewal of DTA’s contract. Meanwhile, the EDHCSD’s lawsuit against El Dorado County Auditor-Controller Joe Harn adds further complexity, with discrepancies in LLAD assessments causing a revenue loss of $1.3 million in 2022-23 and $1.5 million in 2023-24.
Loewen’s silence on public and media queries, coupled with his refusal to address his professional ties with DTA during a recent deposition, adds intrigue to the ongoing investigation. The EDHCSD Board of Directors faces increasing pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in resolving this intricate matter.
Public Records up to: 2020
El Dorado Hills Community Services District records show Kevin Loewen held multiple jobs from 2014 to 2020. One of the most recent records in 2020 lists a job of General Manager and a pay of $176,322. This is 267.1 percent higher than the average pay for co-workers and 154.2 percent higher than the national average for government employees.