City’s Finance Director Departs

Oxnard officials confirmed Thursday that Finance Director Phil Molina has parted ways with the city but refused to give an indication as to the circumstances surrounding his departure.

“There is very little I can say on it at this point, except that he has separated from city service,” City Manager Ed Sotelo said.

He said Molina’s departure is an ongoing issue.

Molina also said he could not yet comment on the situation. He would not confirm whether he resigned or was fired.

“I am currently seeking the advice of attorneys,” he said.

Sotelo said the “separation” is effective next week. However, an employee with the finance department said Thursday that Molina was no longer with the city.

Molina, a certified public accountant, had been the city’s finance director since Dec. 1, 1997. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and had more than 20 years of experience in various cities’ financial departments. Before coming to Oxnard, Molina worked for the city of Hollister.

Hollister City Manager George Lewis said Molina did a good job there.

“He’s a very competent finance director,” Lewis said.

In Oxnard, Molina attended to such duties as assisting in the budgeting process, managing utilities billing, payroll, grants and property as well as debt administration.