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2nd Secret Stash Of Public Funds Found In Montebello

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Longtime hidden bank accounts are becoming a popular trend in the city of Montebello.

City officials say they've discovered a second off-the-books account that once held nearly $1 million in public funds, but now has only $5,000.

Christina Cortez, a Montebello city council member tells KNX 1070 there's a very troubling aspect to this new development.

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Cortez says she's "completely caught off-guard" by the newly-found funds and that somebody at City Hall likely received monthly statements concerning the account.

The discovery comes just weeks after =officials uncovered another off-the-books account that once contained close to $250,000.

Despite news of the stashed cash, the city of Montebello struggles to close a major budget deficit that could force deep service cuts and layoffs.

(©2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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