Montezuma County residents filled out their Census 2000 forms more often when compared with those in La Plata and Dolores counties, the Census Bureau reported Monday.

In the county 57 percent of residents returned their census forms, which is considered good, said Karen Nuzzo, media specialist with the Census. In sparsely populated Dolores county 44 percent returned their forms and 53 percent of the populace in La Plata county responded.

Census 2000 is currently conducting its "non-response" follow-up operation in an attempt to reach the remaining residents who did not send in the census questionnaire or did not originally receive one. Census takers going door-to-door in the county will be conducting interviews with household members in order to obtain a more accurate count and to ensure the county’s needs are represented.

"It has been going pretty well in Montezuma County," said John Dunn, a crew-leader assistant for the U.S. Census. "Currently we have around 40 census takers going door-to-door responding to residences who did not send in the census forms by the April 1 deadline. Mostly people have been very friendly."

Census takers are easily identifiable by the badge they wear, which they are required to show at the beginning of a visit. Their cars have an official Census placard displayed in them. Census information is completely confidential, Dunn assured, and is essential for the county to receive its fair share of federal tax funds. The data given to a census taker is compiled and the statistical results are used to redistribute all federal funds derived from taxes, as well as to reapportion Congressional seats.

"Basically, every person that is not counted translates to $625 in lost federal funding per year. Because the census is done every ten years, multiply that out and it means a loss of $6,250 in federal funding distributed to the area for every person missed," Dunn explained.

As mandated by the Constitution (at the direction of Congress), a population census for the nation is conducted every ten years.

"The goal of the Census Bureau is to bring the country together in a renewal of civic commitment," said Susan Lavin, the Denver Regional Director. "It is asking for participation from everyone in this country — making every voice heard and counting each person."

The results of the census are used in a variety of ways that benefit all U.S. residents. The five main reasons for answering the census are:

• Helping your community to thrive. Data gathered helps communities generate public improvement strategies and devise necessary community and social solutions.

• Getting help in a time of need. Many 911 emergency systems are based on census information about the location of housing units and streets or the location of elderly populations.

• Make government work for you. Data gathered helps determine the need for hospitals, highways, health clinics, recreational facilities, schools, senior centers and more.

• Reduce risk for American business. Census data helps to determine where products and services are needed, where qualified workers live, etc. The information is critical for businesses interested in locating to the area.

• Help yourself and your family. The data provides proof of age, residence and relationship status. That information is used to qualify people for pensions, establish citizenship or obtain an inheritance.

One in six residents has received a long form, a detailed questionnaire especially used to determine community needs. While some questions may appear to be intrusive, including those regarding income, employment specifics and whether you own a home, the long form is not an invasion of privacy.

"Those with the long form are really speaking for their community because that is the information government agencies will really analyze when determining where to spend federal dollars," said Nuzzo. "The long form is especially important in rural communities who deserve a larger share of tax dollars because rural areas just do not have the local tax base to get the services they need."

Questions involving personal finances sometimes get a negative reaction from residents who believe that information is too sensitive to reveal to the federal government. But Dunn said that individual names and business/finance data are not used, rather the data is compiled to determine overall such things as what the cost of living for the county is when compared with average salaries, if there is enough affordable housing, what the transportation issues are, and what health needs are in the community.

"All the data is used for statistical purposes," Dunn said. "The names are pulled off the form, and then the information is compiled for this region. The benefits funnel back to the people."

"No one will over know what an individual’s bill, or salary is; what this information does is give us an average for the area," he said.

Also the more federal money directed locally will in the long run help lower taxes, spur development, and keep prices competitive, Dunn said.

"Let’s say it is determined through the census that we need more low-income housing here to give people the opportunity to purchase a first-time home. Then HUD will order more homes, that will open up construction jobs and encourage other companies to relocate here, which will increase competition. That in turn lowers prices for consumers," he said.

"Also the more federal money that is directed here to subsidize, say education, then there is less of a need to raise taxes to help fund those needs."