DeLand, FL - The 2020 U.S. Census was just getting underway when COVID-19 took over across the country. Volusia County Complete Count Committee co-chair, District 2 representive Billie Wheeler says filling out your census form is even more important now. She said that the number of people from the 2010 census count determined the amount of funds received through the CARES Act.
Wheeler said that DeBary is leading the county with a response rate of 73.8 %, with Ormond Beach in second place with 70.6 %. The County Council is going to have some fun with this later this fall. We're going to presesnt a Census loving cup to the city with the highest response rate and it looks like DeBary might have this wrapped up but there's still time for other cities to catch up." Right now, 62.2 % of Volusia County residents have filled out their forms. The deadline has been moved to October 31, 2020 to give people more time to complete the form.
Completing the census form helps your community recive the federal funding that it deserves. Wheeler says the population of the county is about 550,000 and making sure everyone is counted is the goal of the Complete Count Committee. The more people that respond, the more federal funding comes to Volusia County for vital services like hospitals, schools, roads, affordable housing, disaster assistance and so much more.
Getting the census form done is so important, according to Wheeler. She says if you still have the paper form, please fill it out and put it in the mail. "You can complete your form online at My2020Census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020."
Wheeler said why the deadline has been extended, why wait? There are ten questions on the form and she said it should only take about ten minutes to complete. She cautions that if you do wait, starting August 11, 2020, you could get a knock on your door. Census employees will begin knocking out the doors of those who have not returned their 2020 U.S. Census form.
