City Prepares for Insect Control Duty

Although the Mosquito Abatement District has yet to disband, the city of Moorpark is already preparing to take over its duties of zapping the pesky insects. Council members this week agreed to hire the district’s two full-time employees: entomologist Mark Westerline and inspector Loc Tran.

“I’m glad that the city has kind of gone out of their way to make it clear to the employees that they will retain us and make a smooth transition,” Westerline said Thursday.

Both employees will perform the same tasks for the city that they do for the district: controlling the fly and mosquito populations in Moorpark and surrounding areas.

The pair will work for the city on condition that the Local Agency Formation Commission on Nov. 19 votes, as expected, to disband the district. Otherwise, the men would remain with the district. The only other paid district employee is a part-time secretary, who would not be hired by the city.

After months of debate, the 37-year-old district in August decided to disband by agreeing to ask LAFCO for permission. With the transfer, the city could receive up to $1.4 million that the district had amassed in assessments over the years.