Public Hearing July 14 on New Prowers County District Boundaries

The Prowers County Commissioners have decided on one of three scenarios as the best means of equalizing the population in the three districts in Prowers County, and have set Thursday, July 14, as the day for the pubic hearing. The public is invited to attend the 11:30am session in the commissioner’s office at the county courthouse and make comments or suggestions regarding the redistricting proposal.

The district boundaries in the county were last revised 40 years ago, and the 2010 federal census indicated that the three counties did not have an equal population distribution, and as such, the boundaries would have to be redrawn. The commissioners have stated that each of the three districts in the proposal will fall within the city limits, but will not impact any voting districts or political affiliations. Each commissioner will still represent their former districts. The only noticeable change under the proposal will occur in District One, with Commissioner Henry Schnabel gaining more territory for representation. District One has only 19% of the county population, District Two has 35% and District Three has 46%. The new proposal will have District One with a population of 4,097, Two with 4,237 and Three with 4,217. Mary Root, Land Use Administrator said the county website will provide the district proposals so people can view the new boundaries before the July 14 meeting. Use www.prowerscounty.net to find the new boundary proposals listed under Proposed Redistricting Information.

The commissioners will have thirty days to file the approved boundaries with the state. The deadline for that submission is September 30, 2011.

By Russ Baldwin