We Want You to Be Counted!
The Village in conjunction with the U.S. Census Bureau will be conducting a special census this summer to capture increases in the Village’s population since the 2004 Census. The main purpose of the special census is for the Village to increase its share of state revenue sources distributed on a per capita basis. The Village will receive an extra $134.35 per year in revenue for each additional person counted in the special census. Depending on the final enumeration date for the 2010 census, which could be as late as 2012, the village could realize as much as $370 per person. Since the Village continues to operate without a municipal tax levy, these funds are very important to enable the Village to continue to provide the best possible services to the community.
Census workers will be going door to door to collect information about each member of the household. Enumerators will ask questions to gather information on: name, gender, household relationship, date of birth, race and Hispanic origin. No economic or employment information is requested. If you are not available when the census worker visits your household, they will leave a note with instructions to contact the local Census Bureau office. The census workers will be wearing official U.S. Bureau of the Census identification tags and do not have to enter your home to document your answers. An accurate count means additional funding for road improvements, drainage projects, park acquisition and development. Make sure you are counted!
For more information, please contact Heather Parker, Administrative Assistant at (708) 301-0632 or by e-mail at hparkr@homerglen.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Special Census?
A Special Census is a count of population, housing units, and group quarters conducted by the Census Bureau at the request of the Village. A municipality often requests a special census when there is a belief that growth has not been accounted for as part of the past census..
What is the purpose of a Special Census?
When local officials believe there has been a significant population change in their community due to growth or annexation, a Special Census may be in order. A Special Census is an alternative way to increase revenue without placing a greater tax burden on Village residents. The Village receives a share of tax revenue each month from the State of Illinois for every resident of Homer Glen. A special census will show the State of Illinois that we have more residents than we did in 2004 (last Special Census), and the State will, in turn, increase our monthly revenue based on the new data. This is revenue that can be used for such things as road improvements, drainage issues and park acquisition and development.
When will the Special Census start?
The resident interviews are projected to begin in July 2008.
How long will the Special Census last?
The Special Census is expected to last 7 weeks.
How long will the interviews take?
The door-to-door interviews usually last 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the household.
What kind of questions will be asked?
Residents will be asked to provide basic demographic information including number of people in the household, age, sex, race, date of birth, etc. There are no questions regarding income or employment as part of this census. The information given is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. No information will be shared with the Village of Homer Glen or any other government entity.
What happens if nobody is home when the Census Bureau interviewer arrives?
If no one is home to answer the questions of the interviewer, he or she will leave a card requesting the resident to complete the interview over the phone. After multiple attempts to reach a household, a proxy interview may be conducted. A proxy interview would entail a neighbor providing information about the household in question.
How can I identify a Special Census Employee?
All Special Census employees are required to wear and display a badge from the United States Census Bureau.
Is my information confidential?
Absolutely! The public is protected by Title 13 of the United States Code. Only authorized US Census Bureau employees may see personally identifiable information.
Any further questions, please contact Heather Parker, Administrative Assistant at (708) 301-0632 or hparker@homerglen.org.