By Mark Glover, Sacramento Bee

Placerville-based El Dorado Savings Bank saw a nearly 4 percent year-over-year increase in first quarter net income.

The bank, which operates 32 branches in Northern California, including South Lake Tahoe, reported a profit of more than $2.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, up from about $2 million in the year-ago period.

“The improvement in profits for 2012 was a result of strong growth in new accounts and deposits,” said Thomas Meuser, chairman and CEO.

El Dorado reported total assets of $1.76 billion and savings deposits of $1.57 billion as of March 31, up from $1.64 billion and $1.46 billion in 2011.