Community

Actions

Grand Coteau can continue operating as a town

Posted at 5:49 PM, Jul 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-24 19:20:33-04

A challenge to the 2010 census is now over for the town of Grand Coteau. 

The census found Grand Coteau had a population of 942. That’s just short of the 1,000 residents needed to be classified as a town.
     
Instead of becoming a village, the town challenged the numbers and the latest count showed a population of 1,021. 

That classification is important for mayor Shaterral Johnson and her constituents. 

"The good thing about staying a town is you get to receive the federal and state grants and assistance," Johnson said."Where as a village, you don’t get that much help." 

Johnson says the special census had to be done soon.

"Had we not gotten it done this upcoming election season, it would’ve dropped us to the three Alder persons," Johnson said. "That’s one reason why it was very important to get it done as soon as possible." 

"The biggest thing would be the board numbers. That’s the main thing. It’s very important to have 5 people on the board. I mean that gives you a variety of people to come and represent you." 

Johnson says the town can apply for more grants and receive more funding. 

"We get the states grants for different things in town," Johnson said. "We’re in the process of buying a new town truck and we’re able to get on a state’s contract where we lease it and pay for the year."