GERVAIS — The city of Gervais has declared itself a partner for the 2010 Census.
At a May 7 meeting, a regional representative with the U.S. Census Bureau asked for support from the council.
“I’m here to ask the city of Gervais to kindly issue a proclamation to support us,” said partnership specialist Ping Khaw-Sutherland.
The representative pointed to the $300 billion in tax dollars that is allocated yearly to communities nationwide, based on census data. Beyond that, she added, the data is used to make decisions about business growth and housing needs.
Khaw-Sutherland underlined the need to get accurate counts, especially in smaller towns like Gervais.
“If we undercount one person in your community, you’re talking about $1,000,” Khaw-Sutherland said. “If you undercount 100 people, that’s a lot of money.”
She said census representatives like to hire locals to help with the project because they know their community and the streets within them.
City officials signed the proclamation, noting that as partners they will support the project and help disseminate information about it.
“An accurate census count is vital to our community and residents’ well-being by helping planners to determine where to locate schools, daycare centers, roads and public transportation, hospitals, and other facilities,” the city declared in the proclamation. “The 2010 Census creates jobs that stimulate economic growth and increase employment opportunities in our community.”
