KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — An investigation in Washington state has found more than $20,000 of taxpayer money improperly went to support a failed campaign in 2017 for improvements at a convention center in Kennewick. The Tri-City Herald reported that the Kennewick Public Facilities District faces fines up to $10,000 for each violation. The state Public Disclosure Commission conducted the investigation, revealing the district spent about $20,000 on a website, advertisements, a banner and fliers meant to sway voters to support a 0.2% sales tax increase. The district maintained in a statement that the materials were meant to explain the issue to voters and didn’t break campaign rules. The district must now decide whether to negotiate a settlement or challenge the allegations.
Report: State facilities district improperly spent over $20K
