A special census that could bring at least $54,000 in extra tax money a year to the village is expected to get under way this month.
Officials are seeking people to work as census takers for four to six weeks beginning in mid-March, said Trustee Richard D’Ambrosia. The population count, which the U.S. Census Bureau had scheduled for last August, has been postponed several times–most recently because of the government shutdowns involved in the federal budget crisis.
“We really wanted to have it done last summer because all the college kids were home and they would have added to the figures,” D’Ambrosia said. Only household members who are living at home when the census is taken can be included, he explained.
Even without village residents who are away at college, the census should be well worth the $35,000 Itasca is paying for it, officials agreed. Every extra person tabulated over the 1990 census figures will give the village an extra $90 a year in state and federal funds, such as receipts from state income taxes and motor fuel taxes, that are split among municipalities according to population.
“There’s no question that we’re going to get a lot more money back than the census will cost,” said Trustee Jeff Aiani.
Each applicants for census taker must have high school diploma or equivalent education; be at least 16 years old; and pass a written test. U.S. citizens will be hired before documented immigrants. Tax assessors, tax collectors and law enforcement officers are not eligible to become census takers.
The position pays $7.50 an hour for 20 to 40 hours of work a week until the census is completed–about four to six weeks, officials said. For an application or more information, contact Village Hall at 773-0835.
