EDSO getting ready to build mega-complex

El Dorado County sheriff’s officials are hosting community meetings throughout the county – except in the Lake Tahoe Basin — to enlighten people about the multimillion dollar public safety facility that will be built in Diamond Springs.

The complex is expected to cost $68 million. Of that, $11 million is coming out the county’s pockets immediately. The $57.14 million loan secured from U.S. Department of Agriculture will be paid back over 40 years with an interest rate of 2.75 percent.

A 30.7-acre parcel off Missouri Flat and Industrial roads in Placerville had already been acquired, with the main use for the sheriff’s department. Five buildings on 12 acres will be for law enforcement. Another 7 acres may become a solar farm. Development has not yet been planned for the remaining acreage.

Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion in 2019.

Community meetings are as follows:

• Feb. 5, 6pm at the Pollock Pines Community Center, 2675 Sanders Drive, Pollock Pines
• Feb. 6, 6pm at the American Legion Hall, 4561 Greenstone Road, Placerville
• Feb. 7, 6pm at the Pioneer Park Community Center, 6740 Fair Play Road, Somerset
• Feb. 8, 6pm at the El Dorado Hills Fire Station, 1050 Wilson Blvd., El Dorado Hills
• Feb. 12, 6pm at the Pilot Hill/Cool Hall, 1701 Highway 193, Cool.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report