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– E S T. 18 51
– Midweek Edition – VOLUME 173 • ISSUE 113 | $1.00
mtdemocrat.com
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2024
Thanksgiving Dazzling start to the wreck kills two at Echo Summit Christmas season Odin Rasco Senior staff writer
A fatal head-on collision on Highway 50 at Echo Summit Thanksgiving evening resulted in the deaths of two motorists, according to information from the California Highway Patrol. A westbound 2001 Toyota Sequoia and an eastbound 2015 Chevrolet Traverse collided near Audrian Way in the eastbound lane at around 5:35 p.m. The driver of the Chevrolet and a passenger in the Toyota both sustained major injuries and died. The driver of the Toyota sustained major injuries and their three other passengers sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical care. The road was closed for more than four hours as El Dorado County sheriff ’s deputies, CHP officers and Caltrans crews cleared the scene. Traffic at one point was backed up to Sierra-atTahoe in the eastbound lane. The cause of the incident is still under investigation, and the identities of the two deceased motorists has not been made public at this time.
CPCSD leaders get a budget wake-up call Noel Stack Editor
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Looking at different revenue scenarios, consultant Don Ashton presented five-year budget projections to the Cameron Park Community Services Board of Directors and shared a troubling trend. “The district is getting worse,” Ashton said. “The deficit is growing.” His conclusion: Taking out fire services makes the district more financially stable but “tough decisions” will still have to be made to get out of the red. CPCSD is in
negotiations with the El Dorado Hills Fire Department to annex the Cameron Park Fire Department; fire services are currently provided by Cal Fire under contract. Ashton looked at three budget scenarios — cautious projections, conservative projections and aggressive projections. Only with the last scenario did the district’s deficit begin to shrink; however, Ashton cautioned board members, “I think it would be irresponsible for the district to balance its budget using aggressive projections.” Those projections assume a 5% growth in property tax revenue and 3% growth in all other revenue streams over the next five fiscal years. In contrast, the cautious projects assume 2% annual revenue growth across all revenue streams. Residents attending November’s meeting expressed frustrations about the board’s past budget decisions and lack of transparency. “You can’t follow the money ... and it has been like that year ■ See BUDGET, page A9
Photo by Shelly Thorene
El Dorado County residents and guests filled Main Street in downtown Placerville the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy holiday festivities and watch as the community’s Christmas tree was lit up. Some visitors got in a bit of shopping as Main Street stores stayed open late. People were also treated to Christmas carolers and other performances while they sipped hot chocolate and munched on goodies. The next Main Street event is the annual Hangtown Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 8. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and spectators can enjoy everything from fine equines decked out in their best tack to high school bands in bright uniforms and the always stunning and eagerly awaited special floats.
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