MARCH 21, 2006

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has certified the results of a special census completed last year in the city of Rockford, which show the municipality’s population increased 12 percent from 2000 through 2005. Rockford stands to gain $23,211 in increased state revenue sharing this year because of its growth.

U.S. Census figures show Rockford recorded 4,626 residents in 2000. The special census conducted by the city during the last three months of 2005 totaled 5,187, an increase of 561 residents.

"Rockford has successfully completed census procedures that confirm the city’s population is booming," said Land. "I’m very pleased to certify the results of the special census so this thriving community can receive additional revenue sharing funds."

Under Michigan law, cities, villages and townships may arrange with the U.S. Census Bureau or the Secretary of State to conduct a special census of their population. Municipalities are only allowed to perform one such count between statewide federal 10-year censuses and they may not be held within three years of the national census. The Secretary of State must certify the results, which are then sent to the U.S. Census Bureau for inclusion as official census statistics. The results are also certified to the Michigan Department of Treasury for the purposes of determining any increased revenue.

If, as in Rockford’s case, a city, village or township that levied at least 1 mill of property taxes during the prior calendar year has a certified population increase of at least 10 percent over the last federal census, it qualifies for a supplemental revenue sharing payment from the state’s general fund on July 1.

The Michigan Legislature has appropriated $500,000 in special census revenue sharing money for this fiscal year. Of this, Rockford’s current projected share is $23,211. This amount may vary based on the number of municipalities that qualify this fiscal year. It is expected that Rockford and other qualifying cities, villages and townships will receive special census payments each year until the next federal census.

"This is exciting news for Rockford," said Rockford City Manager Michael Young. "These additional funds will be very important to our community and will help us continue providing the services our residents are accustomed to. Our people did a great job on the special census and I would like to commend everyone who played a part in it."

The Rockford City Council passed a resolution on July 11, 2005 asking the Secretary of State to supervise a special census. Staff from the Department of State’s Bureau of Elections then worked with city officials to prepare for and execute the endeavor. Elections personnel sent instructional materials and forms, held an enumerator training session and provided general consultation and supervision to local officials. The census was conducted from Oct. 3, 2005 to Dec. 29, 2005.

The city’s costs in conducting the census totaled $2,925.