Thinking about avoiding this year's census? That decision could cost Mooresville $1,000 per year in federal funding.
That was just one of several facts noted by Tammy Heck, a town zoning administrator, who explained the census' importance to Mooresville commissioners and town staffers Thursday morning.
"I think that the perception of the census is that 'Big Brother' is breathing down your neck," Heck said. "That is not why the census takes place."
Required every 10 years, the census allows the United States government to get a closer look at "state population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives," notes information distributed by Heck.
Additionally, the data gathered by the census "determines the distribution of more than $300 billion annually of government funding for critical community services." In Mooresville alone, $1,000 per year in federal funding could disappear for each household that chooses not to participate in the 2010 census, Heck said.
Around March 17, Mooresville residents will be mailed a census form. Households not responding via mail to the questionnaire will begin receiving home visits by census takers in May, extending through July.
Heck said the federal government typically spends $85 million to $90 million to obtain census information from households who do not return their forms. Those costs, she explained, are the result of sending census takers to those homes – up to six times each – to collect data.
With these facts in hand, Heck asked the commissioners and officials to make efforts toward encouraging Mooresville residents to participate in this year's census.
"What I'm asking of you is to reach out as much as you can," she said. "The really important thing is that you promote it."
The 2010 census, noted Heck, is one of the shortest forms in its history, only containing 10 questions, which take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
And not only do those responses help determine funding for towns, cities and states across the country, but "this will establish our seats in the General Assembly for the next decade," said Commissioner Chris Carney.
When asked by Mayor Chris Montgomery how the town plans to market the census as being vital, Heck responded that the federal government plans to reach out to subgroups across the country to encourage their participation.
"A media campaign isn't going to hit everybody," she said, touting the importance of Mooresville officials making an active effort to gain this data by educating town residents of the impact the data will have locally.
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