Importance of 2010 census highlighted at County Board meeting

The importance of local participation in the 2010 federal census was highlighted at this week's regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting was Monday afternoon at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

In other business at Monday’s meeting, the commissioners reviewed the draft of a new county liquor ordinance. The ordinance was prepared by Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds.

Edmonds said that more streamlined and detailed ordinance was needed by the county to govern liquor sales in the county.

The ordinance establishes a variety of classes and fees. Some of the fees have been reduced.

Special meeting set

The liquor ordinance is expected to gain final approval at a special meeting of the county board planned for Thursday, today. The meeting will be at noon at the courthouse.

2010 Census

The county's participation in next year's nationwide census was encouraged by Randall L. Snyder.

Snyder is a partnership specialist with the Chicago Regional Census Center and works out of Marion.

Snyder cited three key factors for the county's participation in the census.

Population numbers are used to determine federal funding levels.

Census numbers are utilized in the legislative reapportionment process, which is done every 10 years.

He said that should the need arise, federal disaster aid is based on population.

The county commissioners appeared to be leaning toward working the cities of Anna and Jonesboro in helping to get the word out about the census.

Other business

In other business at this week's meeting:

The county is moving forward with collection of overdue fines and court costs.

Union County Sheriff David Livesay reported that his department has purchased 15 new service weapons. The weapons were purchased with drug enforcement funds. Weapons which date to 1990 are being replaced.

The commissioners formally approved a four-year contract with new supervisor of assessments Angela Adams.

A report was received from the county auditor, KEB of Carbondale. No major problems were reported in the audit.

The commissioners approved a $500 allocation to the City of Anna to help pay for Independence Day fireworks.

The commissioners approved building permits for five mobile homes, a pole building, a stable and a garage.