bransonglobe.com LOCAL Your response to the 2020 Census could mean millions to Taney County Staff Reports Even with complications caused by COVID-19 and social distancing, the 2020 Census moves on. In Taney County, as of May 26, 46.5-percent of Taney County households have completed the 2020 Census, according to data published by the Census Bureau. That’s somewhat ahead of figures at this time in 2010. But that’s not necessarily great news. According to Wyatt Loethen, Census Coordinator for Ozarks Wellness Network in Branson, about 30,000 people living in Taney County have not yet been counted for the 2020 Census. Why is this a big deal? Loethen explains that data from the census helps determine how hundreds • RED FLAG Continued from page 1 explanation that same day or the following day. I have not heard a peep, and I do not have the hours nor the desire to continuing playing charades and continuing to chase down this information.” Milton asked the “Board to consider expanding the scope of work for the current city audit, to include a detailed audit addressing the pubof billions of federal dollars are spent throughout the country for an entire decade. That includes organizations and services such as schools, emergency response services, hospitals, and roads. For every Missourian who goes uncounted in the 2020 Census, Missouri loses $1,300 each year for 10 years. If 30,000 remain uncounted in our county alone, that’s a loss to Missouri of $39 million each year for 10 years. A loss to schools, emergency response services, hospitals and roads. Completing the census helps bring back federal tax dollars that are available to be invested Taney County. There are three different options to fill out the 2020 Census. You lic safety tax fund. He also requests that the City Administrator put the item on “our next BOA meeting to be discussed and voted on.” During his City Administrator’s Report, City Administrator Stan Dobbins said, “Alderman Milton, I understand your frustration. The biggest problem that we have is your lack of understanding of governmental financing.” He also said, among other things, that there is no supplanting, the public safety can respond conveniently online at my2020census.gov, by phone with a live representative to help you at 844-330-2020, or the traditional mail-in option. Of the households in Taney County that have completed the census, Loethen says, 33.7-percent have responded online, with the remaining 12.8-percent responding either by phone or by mail. If you have any questions about who to count in your household or other complex situations, you can call the 844-330-2020 and a live census worker will help you. The census may take 10 minutes of your time, but it will give Taney County 10 years of opportunity to thrive. tax fund is audited every year as part of the city’s annual audit, and that the Finance Committee does review every expenditure. During a phone interview on May 27, Milton said, “I may not understand ‘government financing,’ but I have been a businessman for over 40 years and know that there should not be a $142,000 difference between the ending balance of one period and the beginning balance of the next period.” ALIDA: “Hi! I’m a 2-year-old Doberman mix, and this girl just wants to have fun! Maybe that’s why I was found running in traffic. Now that’s out of my system, I’m ready for my forever home. I love people, I’m energetic and observant. Maybe we can go hiking! Come meet me! May 29-30, 2020 • 3 Pets of the Week Tri-Lakes Humane Society, Reeds Spring Call (417) 272-8113 or visit www.tri-lakeshumanesoc.org MAMMIE: “I am a super-pretty 1-year-old little lady. My three kittens and I were found in a condemned house, so being in this shelter is much nicer. Now that the kittens are weaned, I’m ready to make a new home with you at your place. Make me your forever girl!
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