CAMARILLO : City Expands Job of Economic Consultant

Citing the time spent recruiting businesses to the city, the Camarillo City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to double the hours of its economic development consultant.

James Jevens, who was named the city’s chief business recruiter Aug. 1, currently works 25 hours per month at $75 per hour.

But because his campaign to draw new firms has grown wider and has consumed more time than originally expected, city officials recommended his contract be expanded to 50 hours per month. Jevens’ hourly fee will remain the same.

“We’re very pleased with what Jim has done so far,” said City Manager Bill Little. “We think it is only fair to increase the number of hours in the contract so that it is on a par with his workload.”

City officials said that since Jevens’ appointment, he has sent out more than 100 letters to various Southern California-based companies and has made more than 60 presentations to various organizations touting the benefits of doing business in Camarillo.

To date, the city has paid Jevens $5,625, excluding the cost of promotional materials for the recruiting campaign.

With the council’s decision to enlarge the agreement, Jevens will earn approximately $26,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year ending June 30.