Getting an accurate census count important to county

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Publisher
The 2010 census is especially important to residents of Franklin County because too many of them have not been tabulated in past counts.
Franklin County has been labeled as one of the most difficult to count regions in the state because of its demographics.
This census isn't just an academic exercise. An "undercount" costs money because most government funding is handed on the basis of population. The census numbers will lock in funding formulas for 10 years until the next census. This is money for schools, hospitals, roads and other programs.
The Census Bureau reports that each person counted is worth at least $1,400 annually in federal funds. That isn't even counting state funding, which also is apportioned by population.
We urge every resident to stand up and be counted.