The Our Kids, Our Future – Greene County committee’s campaign for the $24.48 million school bond issue in April spent $2.36 for every vote cast.
Reports filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure board by committee treasurer Brandon Hommer show campaign expenses of $6,734.73. A total of 2,854 votes were cast in the April 3 election.
All but $400 was spent with local businesses or post offices. The out-of-town expense was at Staples for printing 1,000 flyers. The large, glossy bulk mailer was printed through ShineOn Designs of Jefferson at a cost of $550. Herald Publishing was the big winner among media, receiving more than $800 in advertising revenue. The billboard on N. Elm St near the Highway 4 overpass cost $550. (It shows in the report as a payment to Home State Bank, as the bank has the longer lease on the billboard.)
Fifty people or businesses contributed to the committee. The largest donor was Medicap Pharmacy with two $500 donations. ShineOn Designs donated $820 in proceeds from T-shirt sales back to the committee. John Gerken and Julie Karber, wife of school board member Steve Karber, each contributed $500. Twenty-eight persons or businesses made donations of $100 or more.
For comparison, the Pay It Forward committee in 2016 reported expenditures of $2,690 and contributions of $2,846. Twenty-seven persons or businesses gave to the campaign. The largest donation was $250, and 18 persons made donations of $100 or more. The money spent per ballot cast was $1.23.
That referendum was for a new high school and gymnasium on the current school campus, repurposing the current high school as a middle school, and an addition to the elementary school.
