PDC finds Vaught ES Kitsap Library failed to file 2025 reports, assesses $500 fine with $250 suspended

The Washington State Public Disclosure Commission on June 11 found that Vaught ES Kitsap Library, a single-year ballot committee registered April 16, 2025, failed to file required contribution (C3) and expenditure (C4) reports and did not make the committee's books of account available for public inspection during the 2025 election cycle. Chair Jay Leech adopted staff's finding of two violations and ordered a $500 penalty with $250 suspended on the condition that the missing reports be filed within 30 days and that the committee have no further violations for four years.

Eric Agena, PDC compliance officer, summarized the staff case and evidence, citing the complaint timeline and multiple notices sent to the respondent. "As of today, we haven't received any reports from the respondent," Agena told the commission, and staff recommended assessing a penalty of up to $1,000 and compelling the committee to file the statutory reports. The record cited complaint dates, initial hearing notices and staff attempts to contact the committee; staff described the respondent as a single-year ballot committee registered in 2025 and identified exhibits supporting the timeline.

Leech said the commission would exercise discretion toward a partial suspension given the committee's apparent inactivity after the 2025 election but stressed the statutory requirement to make filings and records available. The order requires the committee to file the outstanding C3 and C4 reports within 30 days of the written order; failure to comply will cause the suspended portion of the penalty to become due.