Algonquin adds 2,700 since 2003

Apparently, more and more people believe Algonquin truly is, as its slogan says, "The Gem of the Fox Valley."

The results of a special census Algonquin conducted in the summer shows 30,548 residents now call the village home.

That number is up 2,663 people from 2003, the last time the village held a special census. That year, 27,885 people lived in town.

In 2000, Algonquin counted 23,276 people.

"We might be biased, but we think it's a great community and has a lot to offer," said Village Manager William Ganek, who also is an Algonquin resident.

The influx comes with a cash bonus.

The village will receive roughly $100 from the state -- which hands out money based on population -- for each new person this census discovered.

However, Ganek doesn't view this as extra money because growth brings additional expenses.

Officials will use the newfound money to help fund additional street maintenance, community development, snow plowing and police, he said.

Using residency permits, this census only counted areas in which actual growth occurred.

However, the special census didn't come cheap.

It cost roughly $100,000 to hold, Ganek said.

Village officials will hold its next census in 2010 with the rest of the country, he said.