China Grove challenges census information

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — A mistake with the census is causing financial repercussions for a town already facing a bare budget.

In July, the town of China Grove challenged the 2010 Census saying the count left out some 800 or more people from the population.

A decrease in the town’s population means a decrease in the town’s share of sales tax revenue.

The town board and staff discussed this and other issues at its annual planning retreat Saturday.

According to Finance Director Mary Jo Bopp, the town is in step four of a six-step process. She said right now there is no way to determine the end of the process.

Bopp presented to the board a report showing the progression and regression of the sales tax over a 10-year period, .

In fiscal year 2010-11, the sales tax brought in slightly more than $600,000. The upcoming fiscal year is projected to bring in about $100,000 less.

Town officials believe the difference came about when census takers did not count a portion of residents who had been annexed into the town limits several years ago.

In 2009, the population estimate was around 3,900 to 4,000 people. The 2010 census puts that count around 3,200.

The town has been in the process of verifying its correct count.

Since the county handles China Grove’s zoning and planning, it is joining the town in submitting a dispute with the census bureau.

No surrounding municipalities are disputing their census population numbers, but Rowan County has concerns with an inaccurate count.

Bopp said the budget is so bare she’s not sure where to cut.

She said she doesn’t know if the town could consider reducing its workforce as a way to save.

The board did not discuss financial specifics, but will schedule budget sessions in the coming months.

The board also:

• Heard from Police Chief Eddie Kluttz, who updated the board on the department’s needs.

Many of the needed items were cut in the previous year’s budget, including materials and maintenance.

Kluttz said he’s pursuing grants for some items, including bulletproof vests and an in-car video system.

• Heard from Public Works Director David Ketner concerning the condition of various roads throughout town.

Ketner has complained about the poor condition of some of the roads in the past.

He told the board Saturday if he had the funds he’d like to pave them all, but the heavily traveled streets would be a top priority.

Ketner also updated the board on the town’s recycling program.

• Fire Chief Jeff Gledhill spoke to the board about the fire department’s needs.

Gledhill said he’d like to replace radios before next year, which is a federal mandate. He’d like VHF radios in each truck, which would cost about $3,700 for six radios.

He also discussed the need to replace a tanker.

He said one problem he is facing is all the trucks in the fleet are about the same age and would need to be replaced at about the same time.

The board did not set a date for future budget sessions.

Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.