Airports Department Reorganization Studied

Moving forward with a long-term plan to upgrade Ventura County’s two airports, county officials on Tuesday will consider a proposed reorganization of the Department of Airports aimed at guiding future development at both sites.

The Board of Supervisors will be asked to approve new job classifications and pay raises for several positions.

Proposed changes in the management structure include reassignment of Airports Administrator Rod Murphy to director of airports, complete with an $11,232 raise in pay and benefits. In addition, Administrative Officer Michael Musca would become the deputy director of airports and get the same raise in pay and benefits.

The new positions, which broaden the responsibilities and duties of the two top managers, are necessary to guide the expanding role of the airports in the community, Personnel Director Ron Komers said.

“It represents a shift in focus,” Komers said. “It recognizes the importance of the Department of Airports in our county family.”

Earlier this month, county aviation officials unveiled plans for major improvements at the airports in Oxnard and Camarillo, including larger terminals, new hangars and longer runways.

The 20-year master plan concludes that without substantial improvements, the airports will not be able to keep up with demand.

The upgrade plans--costing as much as $31 million in Oxnard and $25 million in Camarillo--are expected to be reviewed by supervisors in coming months.