OXNARD : City Support Likely for Plant Expansion

In an effort to boost local tax revenues, the Oxnard City Council is expected to support a proposal to double production capability at Procter & Gamble’s paper plant on North Rice Avenue.

The installation of a second paper-producing machine would double tax revenues to the city to more than $600,000 a year.

Although the proposal to expand the plant has not been officially announced, city officials are scheduled to consider endorsing the plan on Tuesday. The staff has recommended approval.

The city is facing heavy cuts in service and personnel to avoid a projected $2.8-million deficit next year.

Plant manager Carlton Sherman said if approved the $100-million production expansion would increase the number of employees to 530 from 380.