Waco County election board grants one‑week extension to delinquent filer, dissolves multiple inactive campaign committees

The Waco County Election Board reviewed delinquent campaign finance filings and administrative clean‑up of inactive committees during the meeting.

Leanna said staff identified one delinquent filer, Kevin Beaver, who appears to be missing an annual report covering July–December 2025. Staff reported they had sent certified mail and attempted contact. The board voted to give Beaver an additional week to file, setting a deadline of Friday, February 6, 2026; board members said if he fails to file the office will set a hearing and the election board may assess civil penalties (noted in discussion as $50 per day up to $1,000). As a staff member summarized, "if he does not turn it in by February 6, then we would have to set a hearing date in front of the election board and give him notice of that hearing also." (attributed to an unidentified staff member who advised the board.)

The board also considered a packet of inactive campaign finance committees that met closure criteria (no activity for three years, cash‑on‑hand $1,000 or less, or a candidate's death). The board voted to close or cancel the committees listed in the packet, including Committees to Elect David Phelps; Gary Greiner; Jim Griffin; Gloria Mount (notice of death); James Christman (notice of death); Mel Burks (School Board trustee committee reviewed for cash on hand); Donald E. Bruich (deceased); John Plasse; and Benjamin Pence.

Why it matters: The board enforces campaign finance reporting requirements and can levy civil penalties or hold hearings; closing inactive committees streamlines the office’s administrative caseload.

Next steps: Staff will attempt additional direct contact with Kevin Beaver and, if he does not file by Feb. 6, the board will schedule a hearing. Staff will complete paperwork to formally close the committees approved at the meeting.