The City of Ojai has appointed Mark Scott as Ojai’s interim city manager. Scott succeeds James Vega and assumed responsibilities on July 17, 2023. The Ojai City Council approved the appointment at its July 11, 2023 regular meeting.
“We are pleased to announce that Mark Scott has accepted the interim city manager position,” said Mayor Betsy Stix. “He has the knowledge and experience to successfully step into this key role.”
Scott has served as the city manager in numerous California cities over the past 19 years, including Beverly Hills, Culver City, Fresno, Burbank, San Bernardino, Indio, Lincoln and Downey, in addition to Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The City hired Baker Tilly to recruit candidates for the interim position. The firm was paid $12,000 for recruiting the interim position. As a CalPERS retired annuitant, Scott is only allowed to work 960 hours within a fiscal year. He will be paid at the rate of $108/hour, which is the rate equivalent to $220,000 if it were paid for an entire year. Scott will receive no retirement or medical contribution, nor any other benefits. He will be commuting to Ojai weekly and is responsible to pay his own lodging and travel costs.
“We wish James the best of luck with his new position and welcome Mark to the City of Ojai,” said Mayor Stix. “Under his leadership, staff will continue its efforts to best serve the community.”