The state has fined the treasurer of group that supported the Katy Independent School District's November school bond election $1,000 for making improper expenditures.
The Texas Ethics Commission found that there was credible evidence to support allegations that Ann Hodge, treasurer for Partners for Progress, improperly spent more than $500 within the organization's first 60 days and before the committee had accepted contributions from 10 individuals.
Fred Hink, a member of a group that opposed the $269.5 million bond approved by voters, lodged a complaint in November alleging the violations.
"Mrs. (Ann) Hodge accepted contributions before the (political action committee) could legally do so," said Hink, a member of the Katy Citizen Watchdogs. "She spent money before she could legally do so, and the PAC made a contribution to another general purpose PAC, which is also illegal."
Hink also alleged that Partners, financially backed by master-planned community developers, violated Texas election laws by contributing to another political action committee without proper disclosure.
"After considering the seriousness of the violations...the commission imposes a $1,000 civil penalty," the order said.
Hodge, also the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer, did not return calls for comment.
Tim Sorrells, the ethics commission's deputy general counsel, said Hodge paid the $1,000 fine immediately. Under the sworn order and agreed resolution, Hodge neither admitted nor denied the commission's findings.
The order can be found at http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/sworncomp/orderlst.html.