Town Board Encourages Residents To Participate in 2020 Census

By Lourice Angie

During the Town of Warwick Board meeting on Thur., Mar. 12, Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton reminded all residents that the U.S. Census is happening now. Residents can expect to receive a letter in the mail within the next two weeks. The mailing is an invitation to visit www.my2020census.gov.

Residents can respond online, by phone or by mail. Once on the website, residents will be directed to enter the Census ID located on the letter they received and be expected to answer several questions. The importance of the census is to get an accurate count of the current U.S population and its five territories.

Megan Tennermann, a demographic and census data analyst of the Orange County Planning Department gave a brief presentation about the census.

“Our population count in 2020 will determine our level of funding at state, county and municipal level for the next 10 years. It is in Warwick’s very best interest to make sure everyone gets out and gets counted,” said Tennermann.

“The census determines how much of the $681 billion we send to Washington comes back to us for roads, infrastructure improvements and government services. It also determines how many representatives we are entitled to on the federal, state and county levels,” Supervisor said Sweeton.

“Most importantly for Warwick residents is our sales tax sharing agreement with Orange County which determines our share of sales tax by the population of our town. Currently, we receive about $3,000,000 annually to reduce the tax burden on our residents. So, please take the time as soon as you get your Census mailing to go online and fill it out,” said Sweeton.

Those who do not respond online, by phone or mail, can expect to receive up to six visits by a census enumerator, who should have the proper identification badge that includes their name, photograph, a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date.

The representative will ask residents to fill out the census by touch pad. Online forms and calls are available in 13 different languages. Responses are limited to one person per household. The U.S Census Bureau ensures that everyone’s information is safe, secure, and protected by federal law.

Police & Clerks Report; CPF Receipts

Councilman Floyd DeAngelo reported that the Warwick Police Department handled a total of 1,202 calls for the month of February.

Town Clerk Eileen Astorino reported that the fees collected in the month of February were $5,953.24 and the fees paid out were $1,770.65.

Supervisor Sweeton reported that community preservation fund receipts for the month of February were $69,957.34 bringing the current balance to $3,811,645.02.

Dial-A-Bus Suspended

All regular Dial-A-Bus service has been suspended until further notice. For those who depend on this service for a critical need call 986-2877 and someone will return their call, or call the Warwick Police Dept at 986-5000.

Town Board Declares April as Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month

Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton presented the Warwick Valley Humane Society President Suzyn Barron with a proclamation that designates April as the prevention of cruelty to animal month.

“We appreciate everything you all do to help take care of our furry friends. Don’t forget the shelter is trying to create a new home and they are still trying to raise funds for that, so if you have any spare change and you can help them they welcome that,” said Supervisor Sweeton.

Town Hall Offices Closed to Public

All Town Hall offices will be closed to the public. The Town Hall lobby will remain open with drop boxes so that residents can leave forms, water and sewer bills, Building Dept applications and more. For more information visit www.townofwarwick.org.

Next Regular Town Board Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Town Board will be held on Thurs., Mar. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Warwick Town Hall, located at 132 Kings Hwy. in Warwick. This meeting will not be open to the public. However, it will be televised live on channel 21.