According to the U.S. Census' website, as of June 15, Flomaton ranks dead last in Escambia County (Ala.) in terms of how many people have filled out their 2020 census form and Century's response is a little bit worse.
The figures showed 61.4 percent had filled out the forms across the nation; 59.3 percent of residents in Alabama have filled out the forms; 56.6 percent have filled out forms in Escambia County; and 46.6 percent of Flomaton residents have filled out the forms.
Looking across the county, Brewton sits at the top of the list with 63 percent, followed by Riverview at 62.7 percent, Atmore at 55.4 percent, East Brewton at 54.2 percent, Pollard at 50.8 percent and then Flomaton at 46.6 percent.
Just to the south of us, the data showed 58.6 percent of Florida residents had completed the 2020 census. Those same figures showed Jay at 47.6 percent and Century at 46 percent.
You might ask 'what's the big deal'?
Well, I'll tell you it's a very big deal. The census is taken in this country every 10 years. The data collected from the census is used for a variety of things, most importantly money.
Federal dollars coming back to states, counties and cities are based on the census numbers. Census numbers are used to determine educational dollars and they are used to determine grant dollars to address things like roads, drainage, water, sewer and more.
If you follow municipal government you know that just about every time we turn around they are seeking Community Development Block Grants to address multiple infrastructure needs.
Most cities and counties don't have the money to address their own sewer and road needs. They are dependent on receiving federal grant money to do just about every major project.
Local governments use their money to patch potholes, fix water leaks and make other repairs. Installing new sewer lines and storm drainage pipes; resurfacing roads and paving dirt roads depend greatly on grant money.
If you think there are very many municipalities that can afford to replace water tank, you are mistaken.
Grant dollars are handed out based on population and income levels. That data comes from the census.
If you are not counted you no only cheat yourself, you cheat your neighbors and the entire community out of money.
Very few council or commission meetings go by without someone complaining about roads and drainage. The money to address those needs may be tied to the census numbers.
When a state, county or municipality under reports its population, it costs those entities money.
Census figures are also used to set the number of representatives each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. Low numbers could cost a state a seat at the table. That lost seat also costs a state an electoral college vote when we elect a president.
Census numbers are also used to draw state legislative lines where an area could either gain representation or lose it.
You always hear me complain about voter turnout after every election. The census is an election of sorts. We are selecting our status for the next 10 years. If we ever need 100 percent participation, the census is it.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, deadlines for the 2020 census have been bounced around. It was supposed to have been completed by July and I read it may be extended to October. But like I've said about dates since the pandemic broke out, don't believe what you read today because those dates will likely change tomorrow or next week. That's why it's important to fill out the census now.
Flomaton is at a little disadvantage since a large portion of the population gets its mail at a post office box and the federal government didn't mail out census forms to P.O. boxes.
But the census can easily be filled out on line. I talked with Kaci Boutwell, director of the Flomaton Public Library, and she has a computer set aside for people to fill out the census form. She or one of her staff members will be there to help if someone needs assistance.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins said if anyone needs help filling out a census form they can call city hall at 850-256-3208 and receive help.
The census can be filled out by going to my2020census.gov. See the advertisement on Page 2A of today's Tri-City Ledger.
Hindsight is 20-20 but my bet is that if the $1,200 stimulus checks had been tied to filling out the 2020 census forms we'd all be near 100 percent participation.
Completing the form may not put cash money in you hands, but it gives you local government the stimulus cash it needs to improve your quality of life.
