Special Census 2008

2008 Special Census Frequently Asked Questions
[ go back ] What is a Special Census? Municipalities in Tennessee receive money from the State based on their official population. The State of Tennessee uses the Federal Census, conducted every 10 years to determine the population. Municipalities currently receive approximately $100 per person from State Shared Revenue. If a community is experiencing rapid growth, the State allows the municipality to conduct up to three Special Censuses within a decade to update their population information. This is Franklin's third Special Census of this decade. What is the process for conducting a Special Census? The only requirement for conducting a Special Census is that the City provide the State Local Planning Assistance Organization (LPAO) with a list of the names and addresses of every Franklin resident counted. After the Census results are submitted to the State, the LPAO will randomly sample five percent of the addresses and verify the information that was provided. If the Special Census is certified by the LPAO, then the new population is used by the State to determine the allocation of State Shared Revenue. What is State Shared Revenue? State Shared Revenue is money collected by the State of Tennessee, which is later redistributed to municipalities based on population. This money comes from various taxes, such as gasoline, alcohol, and sales taxes. What will the City do with this money? The additional money the City receives from the Census is used to help pay for the provision of municipal services such as fire protection, police protection, street maintenance, refuse collection and water service. This is one of the many ways the City collects additional revenue to offset or keep pace with the growth. What information do I need to provide on the Census form? The Census form asks for the household address, and the full name, age, and race of each resident of the household. Why must I include the names on the form, rather simply state how many people live in the house? The State of Tennessee requires the first and last name of each resident that the City wants to include in the reported population figure. Responses that simply contain the number of residents in a given house cannot be counted toward the total. Why do I have to list the ages of all my household members? This valuable information is used to help the City plan for facilities such as schools, parks, senior citizen facilities, etc. Why do I have to list the race of all my household members? The Federal Census (conducted at the beginning of each decade) requests this information. We will be updating this information provided to us previously from the last Federal Census done in 2000. Can my children who are away at college be counted? If they do not live at home and live away from home while in school, they cannot be counted. What if I have a seasonal home in Franklin? If your primary residence is not within the Franklin city limits, you cannot list your name on the Census form. What if I have a parent or grandparent living in a nursing home? Residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. located within the Franklin city limits will be counted by Special Census staff in coordination with facility representatives. [ go back ]

2008 Special Census Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Special Census?
Municipalities in Tennessee receive money from the State based on their official population. The State of Tennessee uses the Federal Census, conducted every 10 years to determine the population. Municipalities currently receive approximately $100 per person from State Shared Revenue. If a community is experiencing rapid growth, the State allows the municipality to conduct up to three Special Censuses within a decade to update their population information. This is Franklin's third Special Census of this decade.

What is the process for conducting a Special Census?
The only requirement for conducting a Special Census is that the City provide the State Local Planning Assistance Organization (LPAO) with a list of the names and addresses of every Franklin resident counted. After the Census results are submitted to the State, the LPAO will randomly sample five percent of the addresses and verify the information that was provided. If the Special Census is certified by the LPAO, then the new population is used by the State to determine the allocation of State Shared Revenue.

What is State Shared Revenue?
State Shared Revenue is money collected by the State of Tennessee, which is later redistributed to municipalities based on population. This money comes from various taxes, such as gasoline, alcohol, and sales taxes.

What will the City do with this money?
The additional money the City receives from the Census is used to help pay for the provision of municipal services such as fire protection, police protection, street maintenance, refuse collection and water service. This is one of the many ways the City collects additional revenue to offset or keep pace with the growth.

What information do I need to provide on the Census form?
The Census form asks for the household address, and the full name, age, and race of each resident of the household.

Why must I include the names on the form, rather simply state how many people live in the house?
The State of Tennessee requires the first and last name of each resident that the City wants to include in the reported population figure. Responses that simply contain the number of residents in a given house cannot be counted toward the total.

Why do I have to list the ages of all my household members?
This valuable information is used to help the City plan for facilities such as schools, parks, senior citizen facilities, etc.

Why do I have to list the race of all my household members?
The Federal Census (conducted at the beginning of each decade) requests this information. We will be updating this information provided to us previously from the last Federal Census done in 2000.

Can my children who are away at college be counted?
If they do not live at home and live away from home while in school, they cannot be counted.

What if I have a seasonal home in Franklin?
If your primary residence is not within the Franklin city limits, you cannot list your name on the Census form.

What if I have a parent or grandparent living in a nursing home?
Residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. located within the Franklin city limits will be counted by Special Census staff in coordination with facility representatives.

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