Cowlitz County Democratic Central Committee

The complaint alleged the Cowlitz County Democratic Central Committee, a political committee, may have violated RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 by failing to timely and accurately disclose expenditures and contributions on reports. 

Rosemary Brinson Siipola, Chair Cowlitz County Democratic Central Committee, provided a copy of the Oct. 3, 2023 registration and a Cash Receipts Monetary Contributions (C-3) report filed with the PDC on Oct. 5, 2023 listing the $1,955 contribution from the WSDCC received on Sept. 19, 2023 and deposited on Oct. 5, 2023. Per RCW 42.17A.235, the Cowlitz County Democratic Central Committee was required to deposit the $1,955 contribution before or on September 26, 2023. The donation from the WSDCC to the Cowlitz County Democratic Central Committee was deposited nine days late.

Based on our findings staff has determined that, in this instance, the failure to timely deposit the contribution does not amount to a violation that calls for further investigation.

Pursuant to WAC 390-37-060(1)(d), however, the Cowlitz County Democratic Central Committee will receive a formal written warning concerning the requirement under RCW 42.17A.235. Staff expects the committee, moving forward, to timely deposit contributions and file all required reports. If violations of PDC laws or rules occur in the future, the Commission will consider this formal written warning in deciding on further Commission action.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action necessary and has dismissed this matter per RCW 42.17A.755(1).