Low 2020 Census response rates frighten city and county officials

Trenton Mayor Alex Case reported during the Sep. 17 Dade County weekly update that the county’s 2020 Census numbers are well below what was expected, which could lead to the county missing even more money than the $144 million lost after the 2010 Census.

 

Dade County Deputy Clerk Carey Anderson said her initial response rate goal for the county was 65 percent, a 4 percent increase over the 2010 Census results. Case was in a meeting with the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission when the 2020 numbers were brought to everyone’s attention.

 

With the numbers dwindling in the low 50s and the Oct. 31 deadline on the horizon, Case encouraged all citizens to take the time to fill out the census before more funds are lost.

 

“It’s a big concern for all of us as the numbers are in the low 50s,” Case said. “Where we stand as a state and as a nation – we’re hoping that will be resolved. Please take that time. Three minutes. Ten questions.”

 

To take the 2020 Census, citizens can call 1-844-330-2020, go online to www.my2020census.gov, fill out the paper form received around March or scan a QR code found on census flyers.

 

Case also reported that all county and city buildings will be receiving foot pedal-operated sanitizing stations.

 

“We’re going to keep distributing them as we continue to use the C.A.R.E.S. funding to get our buildings better prepared for the public to come in and for the employees that help the public,” Case said.

 

Case said there has been an uptick in COVID-19 testing in Dade County, leading to more positive cases.

 

“We’ve talked about this,” Case said. “The more people that get tested, the more [positive cases] we see.”

 

COVID NUMBERS HERE.