Bell Ordered to Repay $500,000 to State Agency

The city of Bell already faces a budget deficit of $4 million, and now a state agency says the city owes it half a million more.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation ordered Bell to repay $500,000 by the end of the month.

The order was issued because of how Bell spent the grant money. An audit found that the City Council had not approved some contracts or failed to award them through competitive bidding, according to a report in the LA Times.

The city charter requires contracts to go through a competitive bidding process. The grants were award in 2003 and 2004.

The agency sent a letter to Bell officials June 30. Agency officials said they plan to arrange a meeting with Bell officials to discuss details.

Eight former city officials are charged with corruption for allegedly looting the city by taking exorbitant salaries, loans and perks.