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Supervisors plan Grand Jury retort

Robert Stern, Tribune staff writer

El Dorado County Board of Supervisors are expected Tuesday to discuss responses to last year’s Grand Jury investigations.

Supervisor Dave Solaro made a motion for a seven-day continuance at the last meeting. He said the public requested more time to review the board’s responses.

“Obviously if someone wants some time to read the response they should have it,” Solaro said.



The Superior Court clerks office said despite the extra time, there were no requests for the free, bounded jury report and board responses from the public.

Karen Kitchens, executive director of the Builders’ Exchange, picked up her copy of the report and said she questions why the board agreed with the jury’s findings that county roads are in terrible condition but not with solutions to spend general fund money or Vehicle License Fees to address the problems.



Solaro said the board is looking forward to public inquiry into the supervisors’ responses, and although it is small, there is a chance the board could change its responses.

“I think there is no question that our roads are a problem,” Solaro said. “It’s just a matter of how we fund them.”

“I’m optimistic we’re going to do a lot with money this year that we haven’t had before,” Solaro added, referring to anticipated one-time federal and state funds.

The Board of Supervisors will also consider whether to sell a portion of $47 million of Master Settlement Tobacco revenues to investors and receive a part of the money at one time without having to wait for a 25-year stream of payments.

The board will be presented with information on securing these up-front tobacco settlement revenues Tuesday.

Solaro said the board could decide to adopt a resolution approving the sale of the county’s tobacco settlement revenues.

Solaro said many California counties are opting to secure revenues to make sure they will definitely see some of the settlement money.

“It’s the prudent way to go,” Solaro said. “Someday this tobacco money may not be around so we better secure what we can get.”

Solaro said this process will secure $16 million for capital improvements and will still set aside money for health-related programs.

The board meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday at 330 Fair Lane in Placerville.

B’Out

What: El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Meeting

When: 9 a.m., Tuesday

Where: 330 Fair Lane, Placerville


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