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Investigations in City of Bell Grow: D.A. Has Been Investigating Since March, State Controller Starts Audit
District Attorney Steve Cooley yesterday said his office has been investigating the city of Bell since March, but until now, the focus was only towards the $100,000 part-time salaries given to City Councilmembers, according to the LA Times. His investigation included how councilmembers were able to make such a high salary when the meetings that earned them that amount -- council meetings earned them very little, per state law, the money was made by serving on commissions and other panels -- rarely took place, and if they did, reportedly lasted shortly.
Now Cooley is looking into possible voter fraud and conflict of interest accusations. Additionally, State Controller John Chiang has come to Southern California to audit the city's finances. And that's on top of Attorney General Jerry Brown's investigation.
The Bell City Council agreed on Monday to lower their salaries by 90%. Three top level employees who were paid sky high salaries said they would resign in coming months.
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