The call is still out for El Dorado residents to volunteer for a Complete Count Committee in preparation of the 2020 U.S. Census.
Mayor Frank Hash has asked El Dorado City Council members for recommendations to help round out the committee.
On Thursday, Hash said two names had been submitted so far, and he gave a deadline of Aug. 9 — the next regularly scheduled city council meeting — for names of candidates to be turned into his office.
“There hasn’t been as much response as I had hoped for,” Hash told council members.
City officials previously said the U.S. Census Bureau has asked local communities across the nation to assemble Complete Count Committees that will engage in community outreach efforts to ensure as accurate a Census count as possible.
The Census Bureau recommends a minimum of seven members, but Hash, who will appoint committee members, said he favors a committee twice that size, telling council members “to reach out to folks we know that are in touch with the community.”
City Clerk Heather McVay has said the purpose of the committee is to help provide leadership and support for the community in order to make sure all El Dorado residents are counted.
The Bureau also suggests that the committee represent a cross-section of the community, including state, local or tribal agencies; schools/colleges; faith-based institutions; community organizations; nonprofit organizations; local businesses; local media; and special housing groups.
“It’s to make sure to include a wide range of people who may have access to people who normally don’t get counted,” McVay previously explained.
Hash also said that committee members will not be compiling information.
“They’ll be encouraging folks to participate,” he said.
City Council Member Mike Rice said he planned to submit the names of two additional candidates, and City Council Member Willie McGhee said he had also spoken to some people.
“They said they need to check their schedules before they commit,” McGhee said.
City officials have stressed the importance of an accurate Census count for the city.
“Every person represents money to this city. That’s what (general revenue turnback funds) are based on,” Hash said.
The state of Arkansas “turns back” funds to counties and cities to provide essential services, including law enforcement and fire protection, street and highway maintenance, solid waste services, etc.
Turnback funds are made up of general sales tax and special revenues, and the funding distribution is often based on population.
City officials, including a temporary city employee, are also working with the Local Update of Census Addresses Operations (LUCA) program to compile a comprehensive, city residential-address list.
McVay said the information is due to LUCA next month.
For more information about the Census Count Committee, call Hash’s office at 870-862-7911.
Property condemnations
The council also passed a resolution condemning seven properties. They include:
• 502 S. Jackson; Mac’s General Contractors; unsanitary and unsafe.
• 801 W. Cedar; Kevin McAuliffe; obnoxious and unsafe.
• 800 E. Elm; Darryl Hildreth; obnoxious and unsafe.
• 621 S. Flenniken; Rudolph Coleman; dilapidated, obnoxious and unsanitary.
• 714 W. Elm; Donna Chamberlain; dilapidated, obnoxious and unsafe.
• 1005 Van; Carolyn Brice; dilapidated, obnoxious and unsafe.
• 934 B. Ave.; Travis Manning, Huttig; dilapidated, obnoxious, unsafe and unsanitary.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.