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Most candidates have not yet began raising funds for the upcoming municipal election, but members of the council have filed reports and District 4 Councilwoman Stephanie Baker has reported a contribution and expenditure.

Baker reported receiving a $1,000 contribution from Russell and Sandra Jo Thomas on November 22, 2019. The $1,000 contribution puts Baker at the threshold that she must begin reporting campaign finances monthly.

“I am excited about the opportunity to campaign and talk with citizens about my ideas and hear their own vision for our city,” Baker said. “Fundraising is not really my favorite part of the campaign, but it’s certainly humbling when my neighbors choose to support me with their dollars and consider me a worthy investment in our community.”

Baker also reported an expenditure of $500 to Pike Liberal Arts School for advertising on Aug. 30, 2019. Baker also reported beginning the year with $956.57 in her campaign account from the previous filing, leaving her campaign with $1,450.57 after the contribution.

District 1 Councilman Robert Jones, District 2 Councilman Greg Meeks, District 3 Councilman Marcus Paramore and District 5 Councilwoman Wanda Moultry all reported receiving and spending no money during 2019. Elected officials are required to report any finances raised or spent in the previous year, even if that amount is $0.

Moultry did report having a $1,563.26 beginning balance from the previous filing, which remains her campaign balance.

All five council members have expressed their intent to seek reelection in the Aug. 25 election. Caleb Dawson has also announced his intent to run for the District 4 seat.

Candidates cannot qualify for the election until July 7, but are free to begin raising and spending money at any time. Once a candidate has raised $1,000, he or she must begin disclosing monthly how much he or she has raised or spent for the campaign.