The Census is coming....  The Census is coming…

PLEASE HELP US TO COMPLETE THE 2010 ANNUAL TOWN CENSUS

AND RETURN YOUR CENSUS FORM WITHIN TWO WEEKS..…..

            The Town Clerk’s Office will be sending out the 2010 Annual Census by mail at the end of December.  This census package also includes a dog license application for those dog owners who sometimes forget to license their pooch!  And don’t forget the U.S.Veteran category.  Please respond with Yes or No in the column indicated.  
 

            The Board of Registrars is required by State Statute to verify and update the name, address, age and occupation of all residents 3 years of age and up in preparation for the Annual Street List.  The Board is also required UNDER State Statute to prepare a listing of dogs owned by each resident.   Compliance with this State requirement provides proof of residence to protect voting rights, veterans’ bonus, housing for the elderly and related benefits as well as providing information for the selection of jurors.  The census forms DOES NOT register you as a voter.  If you are a registered voter, failure to answer this annual census may result in the voter’s name being removed from the voting list. 

            While the Street List is primarily used to update the voting list, statistics on children are taken for the School Committee, providing it with data on current enrollment as well as present and future school population. (NOTE: The Future School Needs Committee uses the annual census information to help project future enrollment and space needs.  The Committee requests that parents review the form carefully to ensure each child is reported and all dates of birth are accurate.  Thank you) The Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Technicians also use the Street list as an aid in the daily performance of their duties as well as other municipal departments.  

            A full and accurate count of all residents is very important for many reasons including the basis for allocation of State and Federal Funds.  As you can see, it is essential that the forms be returned as soon as possible in order to update the census data and compile the annual census reports.  Even a few late returns hold up the completion of the new street list, as well as the up-to-date voting list.  Follow-up is costly and may include a second mailing, telephone and/or police visitation.  Please help us to avoid additional census costs! 

             IMPORTANT NOTE:  The 2010 Federal Census is also coming to each and every city and town in the United State!  April 1, 2010 is the Federal Census Day!  Please also respond to the Federal Census. 

            If any resident has any questions pertaining to the census form or would like a mail-in voter registration application, please call the Town Clerk’s Office for assistance at (781) 455-7510.  Forms may be returned by mail or hand delivered to the Town Clerk’s Office.