The U.S. Census Bureau is gearing up to get the 2010 census together and is asking counties for help.
Crow Wing County Administrator Tim Houle told the board Tuesday that the numbers the census acquires from the county are important. Houle said several funding formulas the county uses are based on the county's population, which is based on the census numbers.
"We want our population to be accurate," said Houle. "And there are a number of things we can do to partner with the census that would not cost anything."
The county board agreed to help the census and passed a resolution to organize and/or serve on a Complete Count Committee; provide space for testing job applicants and training new employees; encourage people to return their questionnaires; display and distribute 2010 census promotional materials; allow the Census Bureau to post the county's name on its Web site; use 2010 census drop-in articles, messages and logos in newsletters, mailings and other in-house communications; appoint a liaison to work with the Census Bureau; list the 2010 census on meeting agendas and allow presentations by its staff; use and distribute educational materials; and participate in 2010 census kick-off meetings and sponsored events.
Commissioners Paul Thiede supported helping the Census Bureau, but said he still has some concerns.
"There are a lot of rednecks here who don't want you at their door with a GPS," said Thiede. "And I'm with them. I'm a redneck ... People are really nervous about giving out personal information and they're worried about the hackers."
In other business, the board gave Houle a satisfactory evaluation. He also was recognized for his fiscal management and innovation on the job. Houle started as the county administrator in July of 2008.
Approved the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local No. 689A contract, which involves clerical employees, appraisers, foresters and surveyors. The three-year contract that ends in 2011 will give the 104 employees in the union a 3 percent salary increase in the first year, a 1-1/2 percent increase in the second year and a 2 percent increase in the third year. One of the biggest changes in the contract is the elimination of sick pay. Employees now will have their vacation and sick days compiled together in a paid time off program.
Agreed to hire a correctional officer to replace a vacancy.
Set up interviews for the engineer position at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8.
Supported a nonprofit agency, New Pathways Inc. of Brainerd, in its efforts to apply for an emergency shelter grant. Richard Mettler of New Pathways told the board that it serves families with at-risk children who have homelessness issues in Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties. Mettler said the grant money would be used to serve families in Brainerd and at the New Pathways site in Cambridge.
Mettler said Brainerd's site is full and it has had a 92 percent success rate. Mettler said 75 families have been turned away from the program because they've been full.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
Top Commented Articles
