HAMILTON COUNTY — Hamilton County currently has just over a 60 percent response rate to the 2020 census, about 20 percent less than 10 years ago. Now, local leaders are urging residents to be counted as time winds down to fill out the census.

Hamilton County Sheriff Tracy Lakin says federal money is crucial to keep critical equipment up to date.

Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Jeff Fetcho says they are trying to do their part to get the word out about getting counted.

The deadline to fill out the census is September 30th.