Countywide : County OKs Setting Aside Funds to Hire Ombudsman
Despite cutting 200 positions from county government, the Board of Supervisors has agreed to move forward with plans to hire an ombudsman to help smooth relations with the business community.
The board voted 3 to 2 Tuesday to give final approval to setting aside nearly $100,000 to hire the ombudsman and to purchase computer equipment.
However, Supervisors Maria E. VanderKolk and Susan K. Lacey voted against the measure, saying they did not agree with adding another position when so many employees are set to lose their jobs.
“Adding another person for something like this is just not appropriate at this time,” VanderKolk said.
But Vicky Howard said the money for the position and supplies would be taken out of a special fund established to increase business revenue in Ventura County.
Joining Howard, Supervisors John K. Flynn and Maggie Kildee also voted in support of the proposal.
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