Officials with the U.S. Census Bureau are preparing to make their way to Brundidge, but they’re hoping they won’t have to knock on everyone’s doors this time.

To make that possible, census representatives asked the Brundidge City Council Tuesday to assist in these efforts by forming a committee to get the word out.

Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage told the council the census group has asked the council to appoint 10 to 12 volunteers to help inform the community that census time is coming in April 2010.

The volunteer group should be well-known in the community and able to assist the census in holding an awareness event somewhere in the city limits to inform people on what will be asked of them and what it means for Brundidge.

Ramage said statistics found through the census are useful for the local community when seeking grant money.

“It helps the city on grants and everything else we do,” Ramage said.

Census forms will be sent out in April, but the group is working ahead so residents will know what to expect and hopefully, will mail the forms back to them.

“They’ve already done the canvassing,” said Councilwoman Cynthia Pearson. “Now it will be time for people to receive these questionnaires and send them back.”

Ramage said the council will choose the volunteer committee by the next council meeting, July 21.

The council also discussed one of Brundidge’s most highly-debated topics — utility bills.

While Brundidge Councilman Lawrence Bowden said there is nothing the council can do to lower utility rates, he hopes there is a way to clear up confusion.

Since power costs are passed from the city’s supplier PowerSouth to Brundidge residents, Bowden said there is no way to control those costs.

But, power bills in Brundidge show a separate item for what the charge is for fuel.

Bowden said he wants the council to consider making those into one line item price to avoid confusion in how customers read their bills.

“That’s what 90 percent of these cities do,” Ramage said.

The council also appointed Richard Chapman to serve on the city’s Library Board.

Chapman will replace Douglas Botts, who died in August 2008.