Clarion Township is appealing the 2020 census numbers, and township supervisors made very plain what is at stake during their meeting this week.
“They did the count when the kids were not in school (PennWest-Clarion) due to COVID,” said supervisor Pat Aaron. “We believe that had an impact on the count.”
During the peak of the pandemic, students at Clarion University were sent home and weren’t counted as residents either in Clarion Borough or Clarion Township.
As entitled communities, the borough and township received a dedicated funding stream. Both municipalities fell below the 4,000 population in the 2020 census, thus eliminating the entitlement status.
“It varied from year to year but, on average, we were receiving more than $70,000 a year,” Clarion Township supervisor Frank Wilson said Tuesday. “Over a 10-year period that is more than $700,000.”
If the appeal fails, the township will have to wait until the next census in 2030 to regain the entitlement status.
There are other requirements for the use of CDBG funds, including income eligibility.
“We will be working with Clarion Borough on our appeal,” said township secretary Lue Wilson.
The appeal must be filed by June 30.
A reorganization meeting was held prior to Tuesday’s regular meeting, and Dilley was re-elected chairman and Wilson vice chairman. Karen Lue Wilson was appointed secretary and treasurer.
Tom Lewis as re-appointed roadmaster.
The regular supervisors meeting are held at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the township building.