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Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith violated Oregon elections law when her staff were asked to volunteer for elections work during their work meetings, according to findings from the Oregon Secretary of State's office.
She faces fines of $250.
The Portland Tribune first reported the findings and the fine earlier this week.
State elections law prohibits public resources from being spent on political elections. Smith violated those prohibitions when staff were solicited to work at campaign events during work meetings on three occasions in October 2015, January 2016 and January 2017.
The findings stem from a complaint originally filed in February by Smith's former chief of staff, MeeSon Kwan.
Kwan alleged that she felt pressure to volunteer for campaign events and that Smith wanted her to sign a nondisclosure agreement to cover up elections law violations, WW reported in February.
Smith downplayed the significance of the finding.
"I thank the Secretary of State's Office for responding to my request that they review this matter," said Smith in statement. "I am gratified they found no evidence of any violations except a minor single issue, which we had already taken action to correct."
The findings come on the heels of accusations that Smith may be violating the new county campaign finance rules that limit campaign contributions. She has announced her intentions to run for City Commissioner, but cannot formally announce her candidacy until January without giving up her current post.
The Secretary of State's office did not rule on whether staff were being pressured into volunteering on the campaign.
"Concerns of retaliation, and what was expected of staff are best left to county personnel rules," wrote Secretary of State's Director of Elections Stephen Trout in his November 13 letter.
A previous investigation by the county found that Smith likely bullied staff, but did not weigh in on elections violations.
Smith denied all wrongdoing and said the investigation vindicated her.
Kwan was paid $23,000 in a settlement with the county.