Our speaker was Eric Aiston, Director of the Cameron Park CSD. Some background:  He settled in Cameron Park in the summer of 2005 with his wife and two sons.  Eric is always engaged in and supported his sons through sports and music in the community. Eric is serving in a four-year Board of Directors term which ends in December 2024.  He is a past President and currently appointed to the Board of Directors’ Fire Annexation Ad Hoc Committee, Fire and Emergency Services Committee and CC&R Committee.  Eric provided us with an update on the current issues and programs of the Cameron Park Community Services District.
 
The CSD provides the Cameron Park community with the following services: Fire Dept., Architectural Review Committee, CC&Rs, Parks & Facilities, Recreation, and Waste Collection.  The CP CSD is somewhat unique in providing such a wide range of services for a Services District.  A big issue during the past year, given the increase in Fire Department expenses, was to find Sustainability Measures for the CP Fire Service.  If you look at how the CSD spends its money, it is clear that the Fire Service, at 64% of budget, is the biggest concern for the district's financial stability.  In the Parks and Recreation area, Eric noted that pickleball and the noise that it generates was one of the big issues and that there are more than 600 youth who take advantage of the aquatic facilities at the Community Center.
 
The CSD considered the following when considering what to do about the potential budget shortfall:  1) Considered closing Station 88; 2) Set up a 2-year agreement with Cal Fire; 3) Canceled County Emergency Medical Service (Ambulance); 4) Study annexation of fire services by the County or El Dorado Hills; 5) Explore additional taxes; and 6) Talk with the County about needed resources.
 
The next steps: a) a Fire Annexation Feasibility Study expected in January 2024; b) Review the cost to provide Fire Services and District Services; c) Determine steps to preserve the district's financial health; d) Engage the community about ideas, opinions and expectations; and e) Find a solution within the next 3 years. 
 
Eric also introduced the district board and staff members who were at the meeting, and we showed them all our sincere appreciation for their dedication to our community.