This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
State AG Jerry Brown subpoenas Bell City records in pay scandal
California Attorney General Jerry Brown speaks during a news conference on July 26, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. Brown, who is also the democratic gubernatorial candidate, said his office has issued subpoenas for hundreds of employment, salary and other records from the city of Bell, as part of an investigation into the hefty salaries being paid to top administrators and elected officials.
(
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:58
State AG Jerry Brown subpoenas Bell City records in pay scandal
State AG Jerry Brown subpoenas Bell City records in pay scandal
State Attorney General Jerry Brown on Monday subpoenaed hundreds of employment records from the city of Bell, where the chief administrative officer made nearly $800,000 a year.
Brown told a news conference in downtown Los Angeles that Bell's city charter may prohibit the large salaries that the City Council paid itself and the chief administrative officer.
“The charter of Bell says that the salaries that are paid should be commensurate with the duties of the office," Brown said. "Commensurate legally means that there is a proportionally, there’s a relationship between the pay and the work.”
Brown conceded that cities have wide latitude when it comes to pay. But he said he’ll consider filing criminal or civil charges.
Last week, three top Bell city officials resigned. On Monday, the city council discusses its own salaries. Four of the five council members make $100,000 a year for their part-time work.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
