Burnet County census participation above state average
BURNET — Compared to the state average, a greater portion of residents in most Burnet County cities participated in the 2010 U.S. Census, according to County Commissioners.
“We are in all instances beating the state average of 63 percent,” County Judge Donna Klaeger said during the Tuesday meeting.
Bertram, Burnet, Cottonwood Shores, Granite Shoals, Highland Haven, Marble Falls and Meadowlakes all show participation rates between 66 and 85 percent, Klaeger noted.
Meadowlakes shows the highest participation at 85 percent, followed by Highland Haven at 73 percent, the judge added.
“It looks good,” she said.
The census helps determine the future distribution of federal funds.
Klaeger said the county has received more grants totaling more than $2 million since 2003 from the Department of Homeland Security through the state Capital Area Council of Governments for new emergency radio communication equipment.
She added that three new communication towers are due to be installed in the county by the end of this month.
“It is incredible,” she said. “We are very proud of it.”
One tower will go up north of Burnet city along U.S. 281, another near Watson at CR 208 and a third in Bertram near CR 268, Precinct 2 Commissioner Russell Graeter said.
Also during the meeting, Graeter announced volunteers are still needed for the Burnet County Household Hazard Waste Collection events next month.
“If you would like to volunteer, we could use your help,” he said.
The collections are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 1 in Burnet at the Burnet County Fairgrounds on Houston Clinton drive off U.S. 281; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 8 in Marble Falls at the Marble Falls School District Administration Building, 1800 Colt Circle.
Recyclable anti-freeze, batteries, used motor oil and filters, latex paint and electronic equipment will be collected during both events, officials have said.
Volunteers may call Cindy Young at (512) 715-3215 or Marble Falls Fire Chief Larry Wright at (830) 693-4060.
In other business, the commissioners approved the updated Burnet County road inventory conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation.
According to TxDOT officials, the county currently maintains 487 miles. The mileage count is required to help determine the distribution of title and registration fees from the state Department of Motor Vehicles and Lateral Road and Bridge funds in September 2011, officials said.