LaFAYETTE — The Chambers County Commission officially created the Chambers County Complete Census Committee Monday night.

During its regularly scheduled meeting, the commission also passed a resolution entering to a partnership with the U.S. Census and the state to ensure every person is counted during the 2020 Census.

The resolution states that the county will support the goals and ideals for the 2020 Census and will distribute 2020 Census information. Additionally, the resolution encourages all county residents to participate in events and initiatives to raise awareness of the census and to increase participation.

Commissioner Sam Bradford has been out in front of the 2020 U.S. Census, calling together the first meeting of the complete count committee in July with Chambers County leaders.

“Commission Eastridge has been here 20 years and never in his time has there been as much emphasis on the census as there is now,” Bradford said. “Alabama is very much on the bubble of losing a Congressman and that is less representation for each person in Alabama.”

He said the census is used to distribute more than $7 billion. Chambers County Attorney Skip McCoy said a correct count for Chambers County could result in about $500,000.

Commissioner Debra Riley said all residents must note the census is a safe document, meaning the information shared on the census will not be shared with anybody.

“It is a safe and secure document,” she said.

Commission Chairman David Eastridge said employees have to take an oath before working for the U.S. Census.

“They are not allowed to share any information with anybody, including law enforcement,” he said.

According to Cody Jones, partnership specialist with the U.S. Census, the old way of filling out the census by paper and pencil will mostly be gone this year. He said the target goal is to have about 90 percent of Americans fill out the census online.

He said most homes will receive an invitation to fill out the census by letter between March 12 and March 20. A majority of those homes will be asked to fill the form out on the internet, except for areas where they typically don’t receive mail at their home.

Homes can expect to receive a reminder letter the following week to fill out the census. Jones said if households haven’t responded by March 26, they will most likely receive a reminder postcard. If homes still haven’t filled out the survey, he said they will get a reminder letter and a paper questionnaire between April 8 and April 16. Between April 20 and April 27, there will be a final reminder postcard before the government follows up in person.  

Also on Monday night, Chambers County Deputy Robert Hull was honored as the Chambers County Deputy of the Quarter by Major Mike Parrish.

Parrish said Hull has made invaluable contributions to the citizens of Chambers County and the Chambers County Detention Facility.

“During the period, officer Hull has performed his duties with the highest degree of professionalism,” Parrish said. “Sheriff Lockhart is especially proud to recognize him for saving the life of an inmate during an attempted suicide.”

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