The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — Clifton Forge Town Council has approved a temporary exception to its sign ordinance that allows a small number of signs advertising the 2020 Census to be placed at high-traffic areas within the town during the months of January and February of 2020.
Invitations will be mailed to complete the census online from March 12–20. Some remote households will receive paper questionnaires.
For those not responding online, a reminder letter and paper questionnaire will be sent between April 8 and 16. During the later part of April, a Census Taker will follow up, in person.
Chuck Almarez, business owner and Clifton Forge resident, will serve as recruiter for Alleghany, Botetourt and Bath counties. Between April and May is when most Census Takers will be working.
Jobs are part-time and temporary in nature; hours are flexible; training and mileage are both paid, and the pay ranges from $13.50 to $14.50 per hour, depending on the location.
Census data is used by local governments for planning budgets; for emergency planning and preparedness, public transport, community health care needs, etc.; by businesses to decide where to build and expand; and by real estate developers for decisions on home building, neighborhood revitalization, etc.
According to Almarez, a complete Census count will mean a significant increase in federal funds eligible for the area and for every person not counted, approximately $2,000 in funding is lost each year.
For more information, Almarez will be conducting presentations at the following locations and dates:
• Clifton Forge Public Library: Monday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m.; Wednesday Jan. 8, 2 p.m.
• Alleghany Highlands Regional Library: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m.; Thursday, Jan. 16, 6 p.m.
• Bath County Public Library: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m.
