Everyone counts
The month of September is quickly coming to an end, and I want to take the opportunity to remind you once again of the census deadline.
Wednesday, September 30th is not only the end of the month, but it is also the final date to respond to the census. We have continued to make sure everyone is aware of the importance, yet some still do not see the need.
A few conversations with residents have caused me to believe that some have the $3,300 per person confused with city taxes. The money we are referring to is federal money that will be given to the city. They are not the same. If you have an issue with how city tax dollars are being spent, that is not debated by the census.
Also note that the census will determine our population and our representation. Money is not the only issue at stake, but the money missed by individuals not responding will be allocated in other areas. Everyone loses if you do not respond to the census by Wednesday!
Last week it was determined that 60% of the city citizens have self-responded. That percentage does not include census enumerators, or census workers. Hopefully, those who do not wish to respond by mail, telephone or online will take advantage of having someone visit their home to collect the information. There is still time for you to self-respond without the worry of visitors.
Be aware that census workers will have proper credentials. For safety reasons, do not neglect to ask for them!
Please remember that you can assist family, friends and members in completing the census forms. If they still have the form that was mailed to them, it can still be filled out and mailed back immediately! The form will have all the information needed if you decide to respond by phone or online as well.
In case the form was never received, overlooked or misplaced, you can respond online at www.2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020. Either way, you can be finished in about five minutes! It is most definitely worth the time it will take to complete the process! If you need any other assistance you can call the El Dorado Water Utilities at 870-862-6451 or City Hall at 870-862-7911.
It is important that it is understood that the number we receive for our population will be used for the next ten years. Right or wrong, no matter the final percentage, we will have that number for an entire decade. It will continue to determine representation, the demographics of our communities and the funding for schools, hospital, roads and grant opportunities. We continue to stress that everyone needs to be counted!
Having been told that we only had 67% of the city counted in the last census, we are hoping that this census is a better representation of our population. We also want everyone to know that this information cannot be used for any other reason than. Any and every person, no matter the relationship, that was in your home on April 1, 2020 needs to be counted in your response.
Again, help us make sure everyone is counted because everyone counts!!!