People against referendum spent $4,389

Individuals opposed to the Brainerd School District's $59.9 million bond referendum spent more than $4,000 before the March 12 referendum.

According to reports filed with the school district, the opponents spent $4,389.50.

Marv Begin and Karen Toman filed individual reports. Gary Scheeler and Patti Harrison each submitted a report on behalf of the People for Postponement of District 181 Referendum.

Scheeler said he spent $3,000 asking for a recount and $285 on a billboard sign advertisement. Harrison reported she spent $394.55 -- $275 with Lamar Signs for a billboard sign advertisement, $74.55 with Lakes Printing for photocopies and $45 with the school district for photocopies.

Begin reported spending $368.23. He spent $100.23 with The Dispatch for advertising, $96 each with 3WI radio and KBKK FM for advertising and $76 on photocopies and telephone/miscellaneous items.

Toman spent $341.72 -- $291.72 for advertising in The Dispatch and $50 for miscellaneous items.

In a letter dated March 22, Steve Dickinson, school district business manager, wrote to Don Ryan, Crow Wing County attorney, that he believed all four of the individuals represented the People for Postponement of District 181 Referendum committee.

"They should have filed one complete financial report," said Dickinson. "However, I believe all reporting obligations have been met."

Previously, proponents of the referendum filed a financial statement with the school district, noting expenditures of more than $14,000.