Board Slashes 70 County Positions

In a sign of the belt-tightening to come, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday eliminated 70 positions and indicated that more trims are likely.

While the cutbacks were relatively modest -- they were vacant positions -- the action takes away the flexibility to juggle staffs and ensures that a wide range of government functions will remain understaffed. Among the positions eliminated were auditors, health specialists, public defenders and deputies.

With the unanimous action by the board, the county eliminates $3.9 million in potential salaries.

“We are presently trying to downsize government within the means that are rapidly diminishing before us,” County Executive Officer Johnny Johnston said.

Despite the cuts, the district attorney’s office was able to retain five positions targeted for elimination. Last week, the district attorney unsuccessfully urged the board to provide funds to retain an anti-gang unit. When the board declined, local and federal funds were cobbled together to keep the program functioning for one more year.

California faces a budget deficit of $20 billion or more next year due to a sluggish economy and last year’s energy crisis, forcing counties to make deep cuts.