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Shelby Commission discusses census needs, sewer regulation

by

Leah Ingram Eagle

The U.S. Census was the topic again at Monday’s Shelby County Commission meeting. Emma Duncan with the U.S. Census Bureau addressed the commission about the importance of getting more people signed up to be census takers. There is a need for 1,300 in Shelby County, and there are currently 235.

“We want to get an accurate count in Shelby County,” Duncan said. “We are struggling to get people across all counties in the state. We are posting flyers, advertising on social media and websites and asking everyone to apply online.”

Shelby County will pay $18 per hour, reimburse mileage and offer paid training. The hours are flexible and work canvasing addresses will begin this summer. They are hiring for a variety of temporary jobs, including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number and be a U.S. citizen. Those interested can visit 2020census.gov/jobs or call 855-JOB-2020.

County Manager Alex Dudchock said their goal in the 2010 census was 80% participation. Shelby County led the state in percentage of data gathered.

“It takes a lot of work, employees hired and efficiencies throughout the county,” he said. “We say count everyone and everyone counts. For the 2020 census, we’ve set our goal at 90%.”The commission passed a resolution to adopt a bill proposing a local constitutional amendment for Shelby County to bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way of public roads under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission. The bill states if the county or a municipality in the county enters into a rate control agreement with an entity, they have the option to opt out of regulation by the PSC for customers affected by the rate control agreement, and they may opt back into regulation by the PSC if the agreement is terminated, found to be invalid or becomes void or unenforceable.

Other privately owned sewer companies remain under PSC jurisdiction.

Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer, who recently signed a 10-year agreement with SouthWest Water Systems’ Shelby Ridge System regarding rates, was in attendance at the meeting and offered his support for the bill.

“I appreciate the work that has gone into getting this bill put together,” Picklesimer said. “It offers municipalities protection they haven’t had in the past. I welcome this bill, and it giving municipalities such as mine the option of staying with the rate agreement or the option to opt out if it’s not working satisfactory and fall under the PSC. I feel like it’s the best of both worlds.”

If the deal with Shelby Ridge System turns out not to be a good agreement, he said, this bill allows Chelsea to opt out and Shelby Ridge to return to PSC regulation.

Dudchock provided an update briefing on several ongoing projects at Monday’s meeting. The Shelby County Public Building Authority Department of Human Resources project of new additions and renovations had bid results come in slightly under expectation. The target start date is June 1 and should be completed in one year.

The following resolutions were approved:

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