What term refers to payments made by the commission for operational costs?

The correct answer is the term "disbursements," which specifically refers to payments made by an organization, such as a commission, to cover various operational costs. This term encompasses a wide range of expenditures including salaries, rent, utilities, and other necessary expenses incurred in the course of conducting business. Understanding this term is crucial in the context of regulatory agencies and commissions, as they must manage their financial resources effectively to operate and fulfill their mandates.

In contrast, the other terms listed do not directly pertain to payments for operational costs. "Receipts" refer to the income or funds received, which can be confusing but focuses on money coming in rather than going out. "Liability claims" relate to legal obligations or claims against a party for damages and are not associated with operational expenses. "Civil action" refers to a legal proceeding where a plaintiff seeks remedies for a wrong done by a defendant, which again is unrelated to the concept of disbursements. Thus, in the context of operational funding, "disbursements" accurately captures the essence of money being spent to keep the commission running.