February 3, 2010 - Pitt County Government is preparing for the 2010 Census and has initiated efforts to ensure an accurate count. Federal censuses in the United States are held once every decade, and help the Federal government allocate funds for infrastructure improvements such as hospitals, schools, emergency services, roads, and senior centers. Our community stands to lose $1000 per person per year of federal funding for every uncounted person. The 2010 Census will also determine the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives each state holds for the next decade, as well as provide data to adjust state and local election districts.
The Census Process
In mid March, residents throughout Pitt County will receive a census form in the mail. The form only takes ten minutes to complete, and households are strongly encouraged to promptly complete and return the 10-question form in the pre-paid envelope provided. The 2010 Census will count everyone in the United States, both citizens and non-citizens.
For people who have P.O. Boxes, a questionnaire form will be dropped off at their front door in a plastic bag. Forms can also be obtained from a local census-staffed Questionnaire Assistance Center or from Be Counted stations, which are unmanned displays, usually near a Questionnaire Assistance Center. Individuals should only fill out one questionnaire. Census Questionnaire Assistance Centers will be established in Bethel, Grifton, and Fountain and other locations within Pitt County.
Census 2010 day is April 1. By this point, all census forms should be returned. From May through July, census workers may visit households that have not returned the mailed questionnaires or that have returned illegible forms. People can identity census workers by their U.S. Census Bureau badges and bags. Census workers will only ask the questions that were included on the census forms that were mailed in March, and will not ask to enter homes.
By the end of the calendar year on December 31, 2010, the Census Bureau must deliver the results of the 2010 Census to the President for approval and apportionment.
Pitt County’s Census 2010 Complete Count Committee
On April 6, 2009, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners approved the formation of Pitt County’s Complete Count Committee (CCC), as part of outreach efforts to increase awareness of the 2010 Census. A Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a volunteer committee established by our local government to increase awareness about the census and motivate residents in the community to respond to Census questionnaires. The Complete Count Committee for Pitt County is comprised of community representatives from government agencies, education, business, religious organizations, and the media. The local CCC, in cooperation with local and regional census offices of the U.S. Census Bureau, is charged with developing and implementing a plan to educate Pitt County citizens regarding several key factors directly affecting Pitt County. These factors include elected representation, funds allocation and census data confidentiality.
Get Involved
Community and faith-based organizations are encouraged to spread the word about the 2010 Census and reassure communities that it is safe to answer the census questions. Organizations are encouraged to include information about the 2010 Census in newsletters, on bulletin boards, in lobbies and online. Businesses are also encouraged to share information about the 2010 Census in mailers, employee memorandums, circulars, and online. With your help, the Census Bureau will continue to produce accurate data, which will directly affect the quality of life in our community.
The 2010 Census Portrait of America Road Tour will travel the nation from January through March and engage audiences at local events such as county fairs, church functions, and community meetings, as well as national events such as the Super Bowl. At each stop, people can learn about the 2010 Census, obtain information about the questions that will be asked, and learn how they can become involved. The tour will stop in Greenville, NC on March 30, 2010 at the corner of Evans Street and 5th Street. More information on the tour can be found at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/involved/what-is-the-road-tour.php.
Community members are strongly encouraged to become involved in the local Census count process. The Census Bureau will hire approximately 400 people in Pitt County alone. Team members earn good pay, are paid weekly, have the opportunity to work flexible hours, and receive paid training.
Additional Information
For more information on how to apply for a census job, visit www.2010censusjobs.gov, or call toll-free by dialing 1-866-861-2010. Information on the Census Questionnaire Centers and local employment is also available through the local Greenville, North Carolina Census Office, which can be reached at 252-493-7021. For additional information regarding Pitt County’s Complete Count Committee, contact the Pitt County Planning Department at 252-902-3261.
For information about this release, contact Kiara Jones, OPI, at 252.902.2955.
