The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has charged CSD Vice President Brian Dawson with two counts of misdemeanor spousal battery and child endangerment.

Dawson was arrested on Aug. 27 on suspicion of spousal abuse at his home in Discovery Bay after officers responded to a call about a disturbance. Dawson’s wife sustained injuries in the incident but did not require hospitalization. He was released the next day on $20,000 bond.

On Wednesday, Dawson said he was unaware that the charges had been filed: “I don’t know anything, I haven’t been officially notified. All I can say is that my family and I are taking things one day at a time.”

If found guilty, Dawson could face up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine for each misdemeanor count. His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 31.

Dawson, who said he has a history of bipolar disorder, has previously stated that he would not resign his seat on the town governing board despite calls from fellow directors to step down. State law dictates that a CSD board member is required to resign only if convicted of a felony.

On Wednesday, Dawson said he still planned to attend the regular CSD board meeting scheduled for that night. Following his arrest, a pair of fellow directors – Ray Tetreault and Mark Simon – had called for Dawson to resign.

CSD President Kevin Graves said Wednesday that he wouldn’t offer an opinion as to whether or not Dawson should step down. “I have no comment or input on that,” he said. “It’s up to Brian Dawson and the people of Discovery Bay to decide that.”

Nevertheless, he said, the charges could be disruptive: “This cannot help but be a distraction to the board. However, the board will remain focused on their mission, which is to conduct the town’s business and do what’s right for Discovery Bay.”

Dawson was appointed to an open seat on the CSD board in 2009 and elected to a four-year term in 2010.