Public funding and equality at the ballot box are on the line when federal census day arrives April 1, Otoe County Commissioner Carol Crook said Tuesday.

Crook encouraged all Otoe County citizens and non-citizens to participate in the census, which is being promoted as 10 questions that take 10 minutes to complete.

She said it’s 10, 10 in 2010, but its affects will go on much longer. The census determines distribution of over $300 billion annually in government funding.

“They say for each person that does not return the census you can deduct $1,000 from grants or other payments. It is extremely important to do it promptly,” she said.

In addition to the allocation of public funds, Crook said the census will guide districting for elected offices. She does not expect Nebraska to lose its third Congressional District, but said it will probably get larger.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 76 percent of Otoe County households returned a census in 2000. This is compared to Cass County, 73 percent; Nemaha County, 73 percent and Johnson County, 76 percent. Harlan County had 58 percent return rate and Seward County had 80 percent returns.

Residents should receive a census questionnaire on April 1.

Census workers will make up to six visits at households that do not return a questionnaire by May.
In December, the Census Bureau will deliver the population count to the President.

Crook said some areas conduct town hall meetings to encourage participation. Others have census centers where people can pick up questionnaires or get their questions answered.

She said City Administrator Pat Haverty is a census representative for Nebraska City, but there is no formal census center.

“That is why they are asking for us in government to encourage participation,” she said.