Census forms don’t reach some residents

By DONNA RYDER
Associate Editor
When the census was performed in 2000, Woodland Mills officials agreed shortly thereafter that somehow many of their residents were not counted and the city funded a separate count to get a more accurate number.
Unless census takers do a better job this year, the city may be in the same boat.
Alderman Waymon Reagan informed the mayor and board Monday night that he and many other residents who get their mail at the Woodland Mills post office have not received their census forms.
City recorder Thelma Green told the board she understands city residents who get their mail delivered to a Union City mailing address should get counted as residents of Woodland Mills because the forms are supposed to be coded for the city.
Mayor Wade Carrington said he would check into why residents who receive their mail at the post office have not been sent census forms.
The count for the city is important because state-shared funds are distributed to municipalities based on the number of people who live inside the city limits.
Prior to business being conducted, Carrington swore in Tom Menees to replace alderman Kirk Snead, who moved outside the city limits.
In other business, after the meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Carrington and in prayer by Menees, the board:
• Agreed to add $10,000 to a General Fund CD and to renew two Sewer Fund CDs.
• Learned there is still $2,100 due on the 2009 tax roll and $516 on the 2008 tax roll.
• Approved the March financial statements, including total assets of $5,701.76 in the Street Aid Fund, $6,067.30 in the Refuse Collection Fund, $552,083.59 in the Sewer Fund and $90,749.82 in the General Fund.
• Voted to become a member of Tennessee One Call for an annual fee of $250.
• Agreed to get another bid for a gasoline mower. The board had gotten several diesel mower bids, but only one gasoline bid. The board gave the mayor the authority to purchase the lowest priced gasoline mower.
• Was reminded that clean-up day will be Monday. Residents are asked to have their items curbside no later than 7 a.m. on Monday. There are to be no tires, freon, batteries or paint cans among the items, Carrington said.
• Received information about the city’s risk management insurance from the Tennessee Municipal League.
• Received a report on the Mount Herman Rehabilitation project.
• Heard Mrs. Green will be attending public service training in Dyersburg April 23-24. The city will pay the $50 fee for her to attend.
• Was reminded the next board meeting will be May 10 at 6 p.m.
Associate Editor Donna Ryder can be contacted by e-mail at dryder@ucmessenger.com.
Published in The Messenger 4.13.10

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