Several El Dorado County contractors eager for work will have to wait until after the May 19 special election on state budget-related propositions.The El Dorado Irrigation District will purchase the building permit for new shops, warehouse additions and parking improvements at its Placerville headquarters.
But board members said they will wait for election results before deciding whether to authorize $1.7 million to begin construction.
District officials fear that if voters reject the measures, the state will take property taxes from local agencies to balance the state budget. If that occurs, General Manager Tom Gallier said, money budgeted for the headquarters project might have to be used to meet other district needs.
Staff members recommended purchasing the building permit to avoid having to redo plans to comply with building code changes. They said the city has agreed to extend the permit period at least six months if construction is delayed because of financial constraints.
– Cathy Locke
