County census returns ahead of 2000 number

The 2010 Census effort in Franklin County seems to have exceeded all expectations as the count continues through May 1.

The majority of Alabama’s counties have met or exceeded their own participation rates from the 2000 Census.

Thirty-two counties had gone beyond their 2000 rates as of noon Friday. U.S. Census Bureau information indicated that five additional counties had equaled the participation level they reached during the previous census.

This improvement extends to several counties in Alabama’s Black Belt region, an area that previously had the state’s lowest participation rate.

Franklin County is one of several counties that has exceeded the previous census participation level, reaching three percent higher than the last overall count of 63 percent in 2000.

The national number of mail participation rates as of Monday, April 19 was stationary at 69 percent, while the state and county numbers have linked up at 66 percent.

Taking a closer look inside county lines, 2010.census.gov reports each municipal rate:

• Red Bay, 76 percent

• Hodges, 73 percent

• Vina, 73 percent

• Russellville, 64 percent

• Phil Campbell, 57 percent.

“Those numbers are just for the mailing participants, they do not include the ones who have picked up forms that did not come through the mail and do not have that special bar code,” said Probate Judge Barry Moore, who has helped spearhead the census count increase in Franklin County.

“We could possibly be well into the 70s if we counted those forms people have picked up on their own and turned in. We still have to get the results of this past Saturday’s “Census Fiesta” event and few others that are planned for the future. I believe it is going much better compared to the 2000 Census.”

Census volunteer Debbie Hammock said several forms were turned in at the “Census Fiesta” held in Russellville on Saturday and believes it was an excellent idea.

“I was well pleased with the event all together,” she said. “The city and county have really gotten behind this and I think it has definitely helped and made a difference.”

The counting process still continues with a few school events scheduled this week.

The Red Bay City Council, along with Sen. Roger Bedford and Rep. Johnny Mack Marrow, showed their appreciation to the Franklin County Commission for their efforts with the 2010 Census. | Nathan Strickland/FCT

“Tharptown will host two census events inside the elementary cafeteria on Tuesday and Thursday nights and West Elementary is scheduled to have one this Thursday as well,” Hammock said.

“(County engineer) David Palmer has been spreading flyers to let parents know about these upcoming events and we hope to see a good turn out. There will be free drinks and free food served at the time of the event.”

The two schools ask for those parents who have yet to receive a census form to come by and quickly fill one out before time runs out to

get an accurate count.