Census Brings Important Data, Funding, to Harrison

Most Harrison households received their Census forms in the mail last week, a 10-question document that, when submitted, could help bring much-needed funding to the town.

When the local government applies for grants to help repair roads, for example, the amount of money received is largely based on population numbers, explained Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh, who urges all residents to fill out the form.

Walsh was told by Census officials that for each person counted in Harrison, the town would receive about $2,700 per year, over the next 10 years. This money could go towards school aid, highways and recreation, just to name the top three, she said.

"Everybody wants to keep local real estate taxes down, local school taxes down. This is one way that people can do it without digging into their own pockets," Walsh explained.

In addition, census data could help community and advocacy groups as well.

"Non-profits will often be able to qualify for grants. The make or break is that they can support their cause with census data," explained Igor M. Alves, a media partnership specialist with the Census.

However, despite knowing the benefits, people often decline to fill out the form out of fear that their confidential information will be exposed.

Walsh, as well as Census officials, note that this year the questionnaire has changed. It now includes only 10 questions, which ask the basics on number of household members, age and race. Questions about income are not included, as they were in the past.

"The 2010 census form has fewer questions because the Census Bureau is looking to maximize participation, and because the information that used to be collected in the "long-form", which was sent to 1 in 6 households, has been replaced since 2005 by the American Community Survey," explained Alves.

"The ACS asks for more socio-economic information and is mailed monthly to a sample of the population that adds up to 3 million households per year.  This allows the Bureau to gather information on a more timely basis and to better fulfill its constitutional mandate to count the population accurately every 10 years," he said.

And, according to the Census website, no information provided can be used in court or by a government agency. This extends to those working for the Census, who are required to take a nondisclosure oath, wherein they swear not to share knowledge with anyone at any point—not just for the duration of the jobs. 

As far as jobs go, Alves said that the vast majority of positions have already been filled. There may, however, be a few field enumeration spots—those who go door-to-door requesting filled-out forms—available. These jobs pay anywhere from $13 to $20 per hour, with most set to end sometime in June.

Alves urges anyone interested to call the local census office to find out if testing is still being done.

When it comes to submitting the form, the Census Bureau urges households to use April 1 as a "point of reference for sending your completed forms." Those in field enumeration will begin knocking on doors May 1.

More information can be found on the Southern Westchester Census Page on Facebook, or census2010.gov.