LOCAL NEWS | Funding for Moore County Head Start, paving and repairing local roads, support for the Metro Moore County Volunteer Fire Department … what do each of these things have in common? The federal and state dollars available to support them are determined by Moore County’s latest total population numbers and Moore County’s total population number is based on the most recent census.

That’s why Metro Mayor Bonnie Lewis wants you to know that the deadline to be counted in the 2020 Census is fast approaching. September 30 will be the deadline to submit your 2020 response.

In rural communities like ours, your response is crucial for planning and each person not counted could cost Moore County as much as $20,000 each over the next 10 years, according to Census officials.

“We are one of the smallest counties in the state, yet we have infrastructure needs like one of the top five or six larger counties,” Mayor Lewis says. “Our latest population estimate is over 6,400 people yet we accommodate over 300,000 visitors a year. Getting the census numbers right determines funding to Moore County for the next 10 years. “

Filling out the survey could not be simpler. Simply visit the 2020 Census website and answer less than 10 easy questions.

And remember, by law, your answers on the U.S. Census can never be used against you by any government agency or court. Getting an accurate count of every person living in Moore County is important. Census numbers help determine how billions in federal dollars are spent. They also determine how many seats in Congress the State of Tennessee gets. For more information, visit the U.S. Census website. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}