Kimberley Robinson of the U.S Census Bureau addressed the Navajo County Board of Supervisors last week regarding the timeline of census happenings from now through July.
Robinson noted that the census is taken by order of the federal government every 10 years. Information gathered is used for demographic data. No personal information is shared for 72 years by law and census workers are held to an oath of confidentiality.
Robinson explained, “If you are concerned with responding to the census because you may have negative contact with law enforcement or be experiencing homelessness or something of that nature, you can rest assured that none of that is asked about in the census. The questions that are asked all have a legislative or policy related reason for being asked and they aren’t going to cause the police to come to your house.”
Census data is used to determine how federal funds are allocated to local counties and municipalities. “It is imperative that everyone is counted,” she added.
According to Robinson, beginning March 15 census workers will make home visits to those without regular mailing addresses. This means those who receive their mail through a post office box only.
April 1 is what Robinson referred to as “census day.” She explained, “Wherever you are living and whoever is living with you on April 1 is who needs to be counted. So, if you have someone staying with you, or you have a baby born as of April 1, they need to be counted as part of your household.”
“First,” began Robinson, “It is important to know that you may fill out your census questionnaire online at www.2020census.gov or by telephone by calling the toll-free number (844) 330-2020.” She explained that both the online and telephonic versions of the census are offered in multiple languages.
Navajo County Public Health Director Jeff Lee also made a presentation to the board regarding the county’s response to novel coronavirus, which can lead to COVID-19.
Lee assured the board that his department is in constant contact with Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. “There have been no cases of the virus in Navajo County,” Lee said, “but we will continue to keep you updated on our dashboard at www.navajocountyaz.gov.”
In the meantime, Lee advised the board and the public to continue with basic hygiene practices and to avoid contact with sick people.
In other business, the Board of Supervisors:
* Recognized State Champion wrestlers Terrell Kinlicheenie of Joseph City, Conner Schweigert of Show Low and Cael Porter of Mogollon High School.
* Approved the warrant and voucher report over $1,000 for February.
* Approved constable reports for January and February from Holbrook, Winslow, Snowflake, Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside precincts.
* Approved a utility easement for the City of Holbrook swimming pool. The existing underground electric service has failed so this new easement provides a better alignment for the new underground conduit and conductor.
* Authorized acceptance of a grant in the amount of $4,848 from the Constable Ethics Standards and Training Board for attendance of a national training conference by Winslow and Holbrook constables.
* Approved the reissuance of stale dated checks as refund for overpaid property tax or investor payments in the amounts of $296.18 and $22.71.
* Approved a contract signed by the county manager for professional services for the Historic Navajo County Courthouse in Holbrook re-roofing project to Loren V. Sadler Architect, Inc., in the amount of $1,225.
* Approved the award of contracts to Perkins Cinders, Inc.; Brimhall Sand, Rock and Building Materials; and Hatch Construction and Paving, Inc., for supply of aggregate for cover material and various roadway materials. The annual contract allows the county to use the lowest bidder in any given situation.
* Adopted a resolution accepting an easement abandonment and exchange for a 1,200-foot portion of Forest Service 504 across private property in the Heber area.
* Heard a presentation from Raynard Kieyoani outlining the emergency use of a vehicle reallocated to the Pinon CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, in the supervisor’s chambers, located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive.
