According to the Constitution, the government must complete a census every 10 years. The 2020 census will be the 24th in our nation’s history, and all American residents, regardless of citizenship status, are required by law to participate.
Your response helps insure that our community will get its share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads and public works programs. It’s estimated that every citizen response brings in $2,300 per year. Multiplied over the next 10 years, that equals $23,000 per response.
Montezuma County has a population of about 26,000, so Census 2020 represents almost $600 million potentially available over the next 10 years! Those tax dollars will go somewhere, so let’s bring them here.
In addition to funding, the census also draws congressional districts and determines state representation in Congress. With shifts in population, it is highly probable that Colorado will get an additional representative – if we all participate!
Census information will be mailed mid-March with a notice left at the front door for those with a P.O. box. Census responses are completely confidential, and no census information is ever shared with law enforcement agencies. For the first time, it will be possible to complete the census online; it can also be completed by phone or mail. Census workers will be available throughout the community to answer questions and provide assistance, and all three Montezuma County libraries will have computers available with knowledgeable staff to assist, if needed. You will have until May to respond. Census-takers will visit homes May-July of non-respondents so that a 2020 Census Report can be delivered to Congress and the president by December.
The Montezuma County “Complete Count Committee” has been working for about a year, coordinating with agencies throughout the county. You’ve probably noticed signs promoting the census, and you can visit the local website, montezumacounts.com, for additional information, including a link to the official 2020 Census website, 2020census.gov. There you can get specific information on the questions being asked. It’s just nine questions; maybe 10 minutes to complete. Please join with others in our community and be counted!
Water conservationWith the reinstatement of Daylight Saving Time, spring can’t be too far behind. With spring, many of us begin to think about refreshing our landscaping and adding flowers for color and interest. Though there were high hopes for a snowy winter, we didn’t get much at lower elevations. With the realities of our climate in mind, city staff has been planning a number of water conservation workshops, with the first, a rain barrel workshop, on March 28. It’s scheduled for 1 p.m. at Four Seasons. The first 20 Cortez residents to sign up will receive all the materials needed to put together their own rain barrel – a $50 value, not counting what you will save on any water you’re able to collect. Visit the city website for updates on additional workshops throughout the season, and if there is a water conservation topic you’d like to see covered, give Jon Brooks a call (564-4096), and staff will make every effort to organize a program.
CoronavirusThe coronavirus is everywhere in the news and mixed messages have created much anxiety. It is true that this is a new strain of the flu virus, and many people have died worldwide, but many have recovered fully and a lot of people have tested positive with mild or no symptoms. Please, take confidence in the fact that highly trained professionals in Montezuma County have been quietly working together, and they have a plan in the event that the virus is introduced into our community.
The Public Health Department; the hospital; local government, including law enforcement; and the fire departments are all working together. Southwest Memorial Hospital is providing regular updates on its website, and the city and county have included that link on their websites as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a wealth of information, and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has a “Here’s what you need to know” link on its homepage along with a number you can call with questions.
We all have a critical part to play in preventing the possible spread of this disease. As with other communicable illnesses, the most important thing you can do is wash your hands thoroughly and often. Use 60% alcohol antibacterial hand sanitizer or wipes if soap and water are unavailable. Avoid touching your face, and if you need to cough, cough into your elbow. If sick, stay home! And, if possible, avoid flying or taking a cruise. The elderly and those with health issues seem more at risk, so they should be especially attentive.
If you suspect you have contracted the coronavirus, call your health care provider for instructions as to what you should do so as not to further expose others. And, try not to panic. Easier said than done, I know, but lots of very knowledgeable folks are working on this, and if we each do our part, we’ll get through this should the virus show up in our community.
Karen Sheek is the mayor of Cortez, a position elected by Cortez City Council members. Reach her at ksheek@cityofcortez.com or during her office hours from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.