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Fayette County looking for Census staff to conduct count

By Mark Hofmann mhofmann@heraldstandard.Com 3 min read
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Fayette County is continuing its efforts to get every citizen counted for the upcoming Census, pushing forward to hire staff, including local residents, to conduct the process.

Getting an accurate count is important, officials said, because it impacts federal and state funding levels.

According to state Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin, every citizen not counted is equivalent to a $2,100 deduction from the overall funding earmarked for Fayette County.

“Our ultimate goal is to count every citizen,” said Fayette County Office of Planning, Zoning and Community Development Chief Community Development Specialist Art Cappella.

The count will also determine Fayette’s county class, which could impact funding.

Currently, Fayette County is a fourth class county, with a population between 145,000 and 209,999. Fifth class counties have between 90,000 and 144,999 residents.

The 2010 Census reported Fayette had a population of 136,606, which put it below the threshold to continue being a fourth class county. However, because that was the first time Fayette’s population dipped below 145,000, it was permitted to retain the fourth class designation.

The county’s population has steadily declined for the last decade, according to population estimates. A 2018 estimate recorded a loss of 6,165 people for a 4.5% decrease.

The Census process, conducted every 10 years as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, is also meant to ensure fair redistricting of federal, state and local governments.

The next big step in the process will be hiring a full staff to assist in the count. Officials from the Census Bureau will begin with hosting employment events that include conducting interviews from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Uniontown Public Library and from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville.

Cappella said there will be hundreds of jobs filled in Fayette County alone from the creation of the Census staff. While those jobs are temporary, they are very important, said Commissioner Vincent Vicites.

“The Census count determines how much government funding Fayette County receives, so Census workers are vital to the process,” Vicites said. “We need as much public participation and cooperation as possible to ensure the Census is as accurate as it can be.”

A candidate must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18, cannot be a mandated reporter and will go through a background check with the federal government.

Continual awareness programs about the Census are planned up to its start in April.

“The goal is that every person living in the United States will encounter Census messages during times of work, play, leisure, school and worship,” Cappella said. “Finally, the focus will be on motivating everyone in our communities to take ownership of the Census, make conscious decisions to participate, know where to go for assistance, and be poised and ready to answer questions April 1.”

For more information about the 2020 Census, employment opportunities, or joining a committee, call 724-430-1210, ext. 4308.

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