CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission on Tuesday voted to give the Cullman County Public Library System $8,881.98 to update its computer systems ahead of the 2020 Census. Director Sharon Townson met with the commissioners to discuss the important role the library plays in the U.S. Census and the importance of public participation and accuracy.
Census workers are currently being trained at the library and Townson explained, “We are trying to figure out what all we can do to help. There are generations that may not understand computers so we are trying to find out how we can best assist each individual.”
Townson urged citizens to not only make sure they have received and completed their census information, but to also make sure their neighbors have, too.
Commissioner Garry Marchman said, “It is a big deal with the census. Our census can help us in a lot of ways when it comes to funding from the state or any federal funding. If the count is right, it can surely help us.”
According to the United States Census Bureau website, each year, census results help determine how more than $675 billion in federal funding is distributed to states and communities. It’s also mandated by the Constitution: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.
Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker reminded everyone that the accuracy of the 2020 Census can have a direct impact on the money Cullman County receives for road funding.
“By April 2020, households will receive an invitation to participate in the census. You’ll then have three options to respond: online, by phone or by mail. We’ll mark Census Day on April 1, 2020, with events across the country. This is a key date for the 2020 count: When completing the census, you’ll note where you are living on April 1.” (https://2020census.gov/en)
In other business, the commission approved the following agenda items:
- Ratified Town of South Vinemont abatement for Van Properties, LLC. and Willoughby Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., in the amount of $600,000
- Nominated Walker as representative to the Association of County Commissions of Alabama Legislative Committee for 2019/2020
- Extension Office’s request for $5,000 extra appropriation for FY 2019
- Transfer of a 2005 Ford Taurus from Sales Tax Office to Sportsman Lake
- Transfer of a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado from Sales Tax Office to Parks and Recreation
- Purchase of a 2013 30-passenger bus with 86,000 miles from BRATS for local match- cost OF $5,700 for CARTS
- Purchase of two 2020 Tahoe SUVs off state bid list through Donohoo Chevrolet- Sales Tax Office budget cost $54,701.44, commission cost $13,675.60
- Surplus of a 2015 Jeep Cherokee 4×4 from Sales Tax Office to be sold on GovDeals
- Surplus of a 2000 GMC Sierra from Stony Lonesome OHV Park to be sold on GovDeals
- Surplus of a 2001 Dodge Durango from Stony Lonesome OHV Park to be sold on GovDeals
- Surplus three items from the Probate Office to be disposed- Canon Image runner 3025 and two (2) Canon Copier Image Runners 3025
- Consider proposed plat for Mallard Pointe Condominiums located in District 2 on County Road 25 and Private Road 2002
- Award bid for fog and scrub seal to Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions Inc.
- Award bid for pest control to American Pest Control
The next commission work session is Aug. 27, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. followed by the commission meeting at 10 a.m.
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