Peter Sabo, a North Carolina specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, spoke to the county commissioners Monday night about the goal of having more than 82 percent of people in the county respond to the survey.

Commissioner Bill Lawhon moved to adopt a resolution for a partnership between the county and the Census Bureau. The motion passed unanimously.

Sabo said census numbers factor into the number of representatives states have in Congress along with the distribution of federal funds totaling more than $675 billion nationwide.

Children under 5, veterans, homeless and people living in rural areas are among the target populations Sabo said the Census Bureau are trying to reach.

The Bureau is also looking to homes without a computer because the 2020 Census will be done using the internet for the first time. Citizens will receive postcards in up to 12 different languages with a phone number or website for people to use.

A map provided by Sabo shows a higher percentage of people in Albemarle, around 25 percent, did not respond to the last survey. The numbers in the rural areas of the county are about 18 percent.

“If people self-respond you’re going to get the most accurate count,” Sabo said.

Privacy is also a concern for citizens, Sabo said. The Bureau employees take oaths to protect the data. Censuses are kept private for 72 years.

The Bureau is looking for 425 applicants to work in Stanly, with 134 having already applied. Hourly wages are $14.50 per hour to train. They can make up to $16 a hour plus .58 cents a mile for travel.

The commissioners also approved the rezoning of a portion of land on Badin Road owned by Jody Sides, part of which houses his business, J&J Boat Services.

Sides plans to expand his boat repair business while fencing off the section of land and adding lights and gravel.

The board also passed a resolution to have an ordinance on file to use the Department of Criminal Investigations for pre-employment background checks.

In public comments, Lawhon noted 343 new home permits have been issued between January and October of this year, up 39 percent from 2018.