OXNARD : Job Training Office Decision Is Delayed

The Oxnard City Council delayed action Tuesday on a recommendation to eliminate the city’s Job Training Office, which operates four youth employment programs.

The recommendation, which was made by city staff, was delayed for a week to allow for input from the county Private Industry Council, which helps operate one of the programs.

The staff estimates that the city would run a $56,000 deficit if it continues to operate the program through the next fiscal year. However, even if the council decides to close the Job Training Office, city officials believe that other local agencies can continue to operate the federally funded programs.

For the past 13 years, the Job Training Office has run the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program, the Entry Employment Experience Program, the Migrant Youth Education Program and some Oxnard activities of the California Conservation Corps.

Almost 700 Oxnard youngsters are served by the four programs, said Assistant Personnel Director Lino Corona.

However, a policy change made by the U.S. Department of Labor in March, 1989, reduced the amount of funds the city can receive for operating the programs, Corona said. The city is expected to incur a $15,500 deficit for running the office this year, he said. If the city continues to operate the office, it can expect to face an additional $56,000 deficit next year, Corona said.

The policy change came at a time of sagging budget revenues and financial hardships in Oxnard. Last year, city officials discovered that estimates of revenues for the 1988-89 fiscal year were about $2 million too high and that the city had spent $850,000 more than its budget allowed.

In response, the city reduced $1 million from its budget by eliminating 15 1/2 city positions. In June, the City Council will consider cutting several city services, including La Colonia Youth Boxing Center and the Carnegie Art Museum.

The Job Training Office employs a job training coordinator, four job training specialists and one typist clerk.