Robins embarking on special census count

Robins, a community of more than 3,100 residents just north of Hiawatha and connected to the larger Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area, has noticed a growth spurt.

With that in mind, efforts are underway to perform a special census count of the city's residents to get an updated population count.

The results of nearby Marion's special census were certified last month, and Johnson County's North Liberty finalized a special census this March - making the third corridor community to perform a special population count in the past year.

Robins Mayor Chuck Hinz said the special census, which is estimated to cost about $80,000, will be worth the expense. With a larger population, the city will see added revenue from state tax sources that are distributed to communities on a per capita basis.

'We felt that it would be worth doing a special census because we think that we've had enough growth that the cost of the census will be more than made up by the increase the city will get from road-use tax dollars and the (local-option sales tax) and a variety of other sources,” Hinz said.

The 2010 census data puts Robins' population at 3,142, but city officials suspect they're closer to 3,500. If estimates are accurate, the new population count could bump up city revenue by more than $100,000 a year.

City staff tabulated housing permits, construction projects and new gas and water hookups to help estimate that growth, Hinz said.

Hinz said low property taxes, a small-community atmosphere and proximity to the metro area as amenities make Robins an attractive place for prospective residents.

Census workers are undergoing training, and official population counts could begin later this month. Results should be completed in time to be applied to the 2017 tax season, Hinz said.

As Robins embarks on a population count, Marion's partial special census has been finished.

The census found Marion's population for the selected area to be more than 6,500 people, marking a more than 2,800-person increase from the 2010 census.

Until the 2020 census, Marion is projected to see an additional $2.6 million in revenues through the road-use tax and local-option sales tax dollars. The cost of the special census is expected to be about $140,000.

The city last year conducted another program through the U.S. Census Bureau, the Geographically Updated Population Certification Program that counted the population in areas annexed after the 2010 census, including Brookside, North 10th Street and Alburnett Road. That count boosted Marion's population to 35,163 - an increase of 400 people.

That program is projected to bring in an additional $470,000 through 2020.

North Liberty's special census found the city's population to be more than 18,200, marking a 36 percent increase from the 2010 census count of about 13,400.

The special census cost about $280,000, but North Liberty officials estimate the new count will provide $500,000 more each fiscal year for road maintenance and construction.