If you’re running for elected office in Decatur this year, you can finance your campaigns the same way you find money for the parking meters.

Campaigning in the city of Decatur is a bargain.

I looked up the campaign finance records for the four announced candidates for elected office:

–          Mark Arnold, District 1, and Annie P. Caiola, at-large, for City Schools of Decatur Board of Education.

–          Fred Boykin, District 1, and Patti Garrett, District 2, for Decatur City Commission. Both are incumbents.

According to the state Campaign Finance Commission website, in the race for school board:

–          Caiola raised the most of the four, reporting $4,250 in contributions and $1,229 in expenditures as of the June 30.

–          Arnold hasn’t filed a report yet, but he just began his campaign this month.

In the race for city commission:

–          Boykin has $3,936 on hand from his previous campaign and as of June hadn’t raised any more money for his reelection.

–          Garrett has around $270 from her prior campaign, according to her June 30 filings.

I suspect we’ll see the candidates reporting more contributions as we get closer to the Nov. 5 elections. Qualifying ends today, Aug. 28.

If you’re interested in running, flip over couch cushions, consult the change jug and poke around the floorboards of your car for some loose cash.

Who knows? With a little effort you might soon be the city’s leading fundraiser.