Elgin ready to start new census
Let the knockin' begin so more cash from the state can roll in.
Elgin city leaders are poised to begin a monthlong census of several new subdivisions March 24.
When the final tally comes in by August, it could lead to about $2.2 million more in state funding for the next two years before the next national count in 2010.
Janice Ward, Elgin senior planner, said the city hoped to conduct the partial census last summer, but mapping problems at the U.S. Census bureau led to a delay.
"We're very happy it's starting now," she said.
New subdivisions on the east side are Mulberry Grove, Neutrenton Place, Fieldstone, River Park Place, Princeton West, Woodland Meadows, Countryfield Townes, McKenzie Woods, Oak Ridge and Castle Creek.
West side subdivisions are Bowes Creek, West Point Gardens, Tall Oaks, West Ridge, Madison Homes, Tuscan Woods, Creekside, The Reserve, Edgewater, Waterford, Providence, Copper Springs, Remington Meadows, Shadow Hill, Remington at Providence and Sandy Creek Estates.
The new count could allow Elgin to receive about $1.1 million more annually in state funding, such as the motor fuel tax state and income tax, which are doled out based on population.
In 2000, Elgin's population was listed at 94,784.
Based on housing permits, city officials believe the current population is at least 105,000.
"That's a conservative estimate," Ward said.
Holding a special partial census is a common plan for municipalities to cash in on more state funding that is based on population.
Some smaller towns use the census to get a count of more than 25,000 people, which is the threshold for Home Rule authority and greater taxing power.
For Elgin, the partial census -- which will be completed primarily on nights and weekends -- is clearly the former.
"There has been so much growth," Ward said. "It's mainly to get back revenues from the state."
In 2006, city leaders considered a full census. But that idea was shelved because of the $1.7 million cost, plus the city would have had to elect two more council members.
That election likely won't happen until after the 2010 census.