Council approves $79,167 transfer to clear school resource officer fund deficit

Placerville staff told the city council that a permanent transfer of $79,166.59 from the general fund is necessary to eliminate a negative balance in the School Resource Officer (SRO) fund created by years of late invoicing to the El Dorado Union High School District. Miss Torren Casa, presenting the staff report, said the city submitted six late invoices covering fiscal years 2019–2024; the district agreed to pay three of those invoices totaling $121,612.50, leaving an uncollectible shortfall the city must cover to close fiscal year 2025–26 books.

"We would recommend that the city adopt a resolution approving a permanent transfer of that $79,166.59 from the general unassigned fund balance," Miss Torren Casa said, adding that the city has implemented internal controls to ensure timely invoicing going forward. Council members asked whether the amount could be amortized over two fiscal years to soften the immediate hit to reserves; staff said clearing the deficit now was recommended but that the auditor could be asked whether spreading the charge was allowable.

During public comment, resident Sue Rodman described the SRO as a vital safety presence on campus and urged the council to preserve the position. "The school resource officer really does play an important part to keep our school so that we don't tend to have these mass mass shooter problems," Rodman said.

Council discussion focused on accountability and closing the administrative gap that led to the deficit. One council member criticized the delayed invoicing but supported the staff recommendation as a way to correct the city's books immediately. The motion to adopt staff's recommendation passed by roll call (four councilmembers in favor; one opposed). The transfer will reduce general fund reserves and will be reflected in year-end financials.

The council did not specify additional offsets or program cuts tied to the transfer. Staff said they would consult the city auditor if council prefers exploring an amortized approach; no new motion to split the transfer was made.