Sheriff’s Station Expansion Plan OKd
A construction project approved by the City Council will add 2,600 square feet to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department office in town, allowing more space for meeting and interrogation rooms.
The station was originally built in the 1970s to house 15 officers, but is now occupied by nearly 60 people, including 45 officers. It was also built to serve the city of Ojai, but now serves the entire Valley.
“Things are, to say the least, a bit crowded,” Sgt. Mike Johnson said. “We have one meeting room, interview room and command center. That’s seriously lacking.”
The City Council last week approved a $51,500 contract with JSA Architectural and Planning of Ventura to design the expansion.
The project, which should cost $850,000, is scheduled to begin in July. Ojai is responsible for 31% of the project’s cost, and the county will cover the rest.
In addition to the expansion, workers will renovate 1,000 square feet of the sheriff’s station.
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