Filling out a census form and mailing it back to the government is free.

Ignoring the questionnaire and choosing to remain uncounted carries a steep cost for the community. That’s because much of the federal funding municipalities receive is based upon census data.

“We certainly encourage all citizens to participate in the census,” said Mayor Keith Weatherly. “It only takes 10 minutes to complete and it saves us all tax money. If you don’t fill it out the Census Bureau must hire people to search you out for the information and that costs money.

“Apex residents need to be counted accurately. A lot of federal dollars depend on those numbers and it’s very important that we get that money.”

During the 2000 Census, only 76 percent of Apex households returned their forms. If that percentage remains the same in 2010 it will cost the town over $14 million in lost revenue over the next decade.

“Every person who is not counted costs the town $175 per year and $1,750 per decade,” said town planning director Dianne Khin. “This is money that could have been used for new roads and sidewalks, parks and recreation facilities, and public safety.”

All Apex residents should have received their forms in the mail last month. The short 10-question form only takes 10 minutes to complete.

“The questions are not intrusive at all,” said Khin. “You give out more information filling out a tax form.

All the census information remains confidential and is not shared with other federal agencies.”

“It is against the law for the Census Bureau to share the information with anyone,” said Khin. “All employees take an oath.”

The Wake County Complete Count Committee has issued a challenge to local municipalities to increase the mail participation rate to 80 percent.

As of early Tuesday morning Apex had a participation rate of 70 percent, just one percent behind Wake County leader Holly Springs.

“I’m really excited about the early responses but we are still trailing Holly Springs,” said Khin. “We need to catch them.”

If the Census Bureau does not receive a reply by April 19 a census worker will be sent to your household for the information.

For more information about the census visit www apexnc .org/public notice/plcensus.cfm.