Vote on Hufford’s Contract Postponed
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday postponed a decision on whether to extend the interim county administrator’s contract through next spring and increase his power.
Board Chairwoman Kathy Long had hoped to discuss the matter during a closed session meeting Tuesday, but Supervisor Frank Schillo could not attend because of a prior commitment.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer Harry Hufford’s contract is set to run out this summer. With a private hospital’s plan for a November ballot initiative that could take $260 million out of the county’s hands, supervisors say they would like Hufford remain on the job long enough to handle that challenge.
Supervisors agree they want to give Hufford more power, including the authority to hire and fire department heads. Hufford has pushed for greater control over the county budget, and supervisors have indicated they are willing to grant him that authority.
Supervisors plan to take up the matter at next week’s closed session.
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