COUNTYWIDE : County to Start Selling Ad Space to Raise Money

Faced with tight budget constraints, Ventura County officials have decided to enter the advertising business in hopes of generating additional revenue.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday that will allow the sale of commercial advertising on county property, including park benches, garbage cans, lifeguard stands, bike racks and restrooms.

Officials said they have chosen the county’s 22 parks and beaches as the places that they will try to sell ad space first.

The board first considered the ordinance two weeks ago.

However, the county has yet to attract any interested advertisers, said Rebecca Arnold, an official with the General Services Agency.

Arnold said officials still have no idea how much money the ad program will generate.

“It’s too soon to tell,” she said.

There are some restrictions as to the kind of advertising that the county will accept.

The county will not sell advertising space to promote use of tobacco or alcohol, Arnold said.

Also, advertisers will not be allowed to erect billboards on Ventura County property.

All ads must be placed on existing structures.