Columbia PAC fined $31k by Missouri Ethics Commission

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A political action committee that was active during last year’s Columbia mayoral race has been fined by the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Citizens For A Better Columbia was fined $31,000 after the MEC claims the group failed to maintain a treasurer, improper access to the official depository account, failure to file amended statements of committee organization, failing to report contributions, failure to disclose reports and failing to “timely and accurately file campaign finance disclosure reports.”

Documents allege the PAC did not report a $25,000 donation made to Blair Murphy’s mayoral campaign in October 2024. Prior filings show the group made a $25,000 contribution to the campaign on Dec. 20, 2024.

It also states in May 2025, MEC staff was told Brian Burks was the committee’s treasurer and a blank statement of committee organization form was given to him, but was never returned to the MEC.

The committee can pay 10% of the fine within 60 days.