The Missouri Ethics Commission revealed the findings of a months-long investigation Thursday into Greene County Commission and the Greene County sheriff regarding the use of taxpayer funds leading up to a tax increase proposal on the November 2017 ballot.

The MEC found 'reasonable grounds' to support a violation during the campaign. Specifically, the MEC found a violation of what is known as a 'paid for by' requirements contained in section 130.031.8, RSMo.

Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Cirtin and Greene County Associate Commissioner Harold Bengsch, along with Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, were found to have incorrectly disclosed who paid for campaign materials leading up to the November election.

Cirtin, Bengsch, and Arnott together agreed to have Greene County named as the respondent in the MEC investigation, and the county paid a fee. Following the paid fee, the commission is now dismissing the complaint.

Greene County Associate Commissioner Lincoln Hough was found to have had no key role in publication, circulation or distribution of the materials. The MEC dismissed the complaint against him without a fine.

"My issue is that we have a commissioner who said on the record that he would take responsibility for his actions and instead is making a deal for the county to take the blame and pay the fine and all attorney costs," Hough said.

Attorney costs with the outside firm Graves Garrett have topped $250,000 in the course of the MEC invesgitation.

The Missouri State Auditor offered multiple times audit the county for free following whistleblower complaints surrounding how county tax dollars were used leading up to the tax issue on the November ballot, but Commissioners Cirtin and Bengsch voted to hire the private firm to deal with the MEC investigation as well as the pending audit request from the state.

Presiding Commissioner Cirtin announced Thursday morning he would address the media regarding the findings at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

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to read report on Greene County Presiding Bob Cirtin.

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to read report on Greene County Commissioner Harold Bengsch.

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to read report on Greene County Commissioner Lincoln Hough.

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to read report on Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released this statement about the findings:

"The decision by the Missouri Ethics Commission shows a violation of state law in Greene County. This action confirms what I have said since these allegations came to light more than four months ago — the information brought forward is credible and concerning. However, the Missouri Ethics Commission's purview is limited and doesn't provide a full accounting of the use or misuse of public resources.

Taxpayers are now left with more unanswered questions and are on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills. The best way to ensure citizens get the answers they deserve is through an independent audit that will account for how public dollars were used and make recommendations that could prevent any future wrongdoing.

I stand ready to provide this audit should Greene County Commissioners now decide to do what is right for taxpayers."