DICKSON, Tenn. -
A possible discrepancy in the 2010 U.S. Census numbers for the city of Dickson could result in a significant decrease in state funding the city receives.
The city has enlisted the help of their fire department in conducting a special census to recount the number of people in Dickson.
In 2010, Dickson's population came in at about 14,000 people, nearly 5,000 less than the last count.
City leaders feel these numbers are not accurate.
"When they [2010 U.S. Census numbers] came in we were actually shocked at those numbers," Dickson's interim City Administrator Rydell Wesson told Nashville's News 2.
Wesson added, "The housing, the traffic, the people doing the shopping, the sales tax numbers, that doesn't reflect a 5,000 drop in population."
A smaller population in Dickson means less money from the state.
"Our state shared revenue is right at $105 per person, so the loss of the current census numbers equates to almost $500,000," Wesson explained.
This half a million dollar loss makes up about 78% of the city's general fund.
Memphis is the only city in the state of Tennessee that could stand to lose more revenue than Dickson.
The decrease in revenue could result in some painful cuts to city services and departments.
Wesson added, "Without the revenue it's a trade off for services."
Dickson firefighters have been knocking on doors since Monday and will continue to do so until the special census is complete.
Any changes recorded by the special census will not be reflected in the official U.S. Census numbers.
For more information, visit the city's Web site CityOfDickson.com.
