RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Murieta Community Services District (CSD) President Stephen Booth unexpectedly announced his resignation at the conclusion of the board's May 21 regular meeting. Booth delivered a strongly-worded statement that underscored ongoing tensions within the district’s leadership.

After Booth began to speak, Director Tim Maybee abruptly exited the meeting. Booth later referenced Maybee during his remarks, saying, “Too bad he wasn’t here to hear it.”

Booth’s resignation followed the recent public disclosure of a $375,000 settlement agreement between the Community Services District and General Manager Mimi Morris, funded partly by the district’s insurance provider and the remainder from Community Services District funds. The agreement, Booth said, allowed the general manager to depart without having to prove the “false allegations she has made” or provide an opportunity to disprove them.

Booth said that settlement discussions began well before the independent investigation into the general manager’s complaint was initiated and were finalized before the investigation was completed.

He also cited a separate legal matter involving a former Community Services District employee who was terminated in 2019 and filed a lawsuit against the district, alleging wrongful termination and the withholding of public records. The lawsuit includes demands for large financial compensation from the Community Services District and individual board members.

“It is my belief that this action is the direct result of the tendency to settle questionable claims over the past few years,” Booth said. “It is as if the word is out on the street: file a claim against CSD, no matter whether it has merit and receive a bundle of cash.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Booth said he joined the board in December 2022 with a commitment to transparency, accountability and service to the community.

“I tend to be direct in my communication,” he said.

“I expect employees to show up for work during business hours and to provide timely, complete and accurate staff work, especially from the highest-paid employees in the district,” Booth said. “If those expectations result in meritless complaints which are settled for large sums of money, without an opportunity to address the false narratives, then neither the interests of the community nor my own are being served.”

In conclusion, Booth said, “I have formed the opinion that accountability remains an elusive value throughout CSD and is of no apparent concern to at least some board members. Accordingly, I have decided to resign from my position on the board of directors, effective at the close of this meeting.”

Earlier in the meeting, audience member Richard Gehrs asked district counsel Patrick Enright about the source of funds for the settlement with Morris. Enright said the district’s insurance provider paid $175,000, while the district covered the remaining $200,000.