Woodstock is preparing for a special census.
Woodstock is preparing for a special census.
Woodstock officials recently issued details regarding a special census that will be taking place in the city this spring.
The announcement from the city manager’s office said building permits and water accounts indicate the city’s population has increased by approximately 660 individuals since the federal census was taken in 2010. The special census will primarily be taken in the city's neighborhoods, and estimates indicate that Woodstock's population will be approximately 25,430 residents following the census.
The announcement said that the state reimburses the city $151.40 for each individual served; and that with the estimated population increase, the city could receive an additional $100,000 from the state.
The announcement said a higher census count could result in the city gaining $300,000 from the state for fiscal years 2017 to 2021.
If Woodstock's population breaks 25,000, it would change the city’s state-controlled governance to home-rule status. With this status, it is possible that a municipality could use an exemption on property tax limits set by state law. Despite this, the announcement said Woodstock is not considering such a move at this time.
The city manager’s office said the change to home-rule status would not automatically raise taxes.
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