JONESBORO — Officials in a northeast Arkansas city want a new count of its population to show the growth they say the city has experienced since the 2010 census.
Brookland's mayor, Kenneth Jones, said officials know the city is growing because of the number of new subdivision and homes.
Brookland had 1,642 residents in 2010 and was estimated to have grown by 165 residents by July 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Jones told the Jonesboro Sun that he expects the city's new population will be around 2,700 to 2,800 residents.
A city's official population factors into how much money it receives in state turnback funds. The state of Arkansas "turns back" a portion of the money it collects to cities and counties based on local populations. If a city's population decreases, it's entitled to a smaller slice of the money available.
Jones said Brookland's population has grown since the last official count, meaning it is "leaving a lot of money on the table that could be used for infrastructure."
Jones said he believes the city will receive several thousands of dollars more each month once the new census reflects the city's population growth. A town of 2,100 residents received about $8,000 more in state turnback funds in April 2014, he said.
Jones said the census will cost nearly $97,000. He says the city paid the U.S. Census about $70,000 and that the remaining money will be used to pay the salaries of 14 census workers.
"We just need to stress when they start the census, it is important for people to give an accurate count of their household," he said.
The count is expected to start near October and will likely take up to two months to complete.
After the data is collected, the city will receive a preliminary population number, Jones said. A certified letter with the new population will be then sent to both Brookland and state officials.