Most candidates in the Roanoke Rapids city council election state they will spend no more than $3,000 on their campaigns, according to records filed at the Halifax County Board of Elections.

Spending more than $3,000 requires candidates to fill out routine finance reports, although board of elections Supervisor Kristin Smith said it is a good idea for candidates not exceeding the threshold to do the same.

The only candidate who has indicated he will spend more than $3,000 is incumbent Jon Baker, who is being challenged by Greg Lawson in the Nov. 3 elections.

While initially he didn’t file his election form indicating so, Mayor D.N. Beale, who is using a consultant, said this morning he will probably spend more than $3,000 on his campaign and will file the addenda as his campaign progresses.

Baker has already itemized his early contributions and expenditures, listing a $300 donation from developer Michael Dunlow and a $200 donation from businessman Phillip Moncure. He also listed as expenses $132 in postage for a kickoff event in June.

Baker will give his unspent funds to the American Red Cross, the documents say.

Lawson indicated in the documents he will not spend more than $3,000, with residuals going to campaign debt.

In the mayor’s race, Beale has already done a telephone survey asking who would make a better mayor, himself or his challenger, city businessman Emery Doughtie, who serves on the city school board. Doughtie indicated in the documents he will not spend more than $3,000. Residuals in both those races will go to campaign debt.

Meanwhile, in the race between incumbent Ed Deese and challenger Suetta Scarborough, both candidates indicated they would not spend more than $3,000 on their campaigns, with residuals going to pay for campaign debt.