City officials ask for resident support during upcoming census

Le Mars Mayor Dick Kirchoff has called on local residents for their cooperation in compiling accurate figures for the community as they receive their 2010 census letters.

"Accurate figures are important to the city in that they can impact on future grants and funding," Kirchoff said.

City Administrator Scott Langel agreed, giving the example of road use funds paid out to communities by the state.

"If accurate figures are unavailable, the impact can be felt for a concurrent 10 years with a projected $83.25 available to the city for each member included in the population total," Langel said.

He added that the city stands ready to assist the Census Bureau in compiling its count in instances such as residents failing to return forms or needing assistance.

Councilman Ken Nelson and Councilwoman Delana Ihrke have recommended the city also visit with school officials to request their assistance in asking census information be given to students to share with their parents.

"We want our residents to do a really good job in responding to the census requests," Langel said. "And the city will do its best to see that happen."