The 2010 Census reports a decline in the population of Sheridan County from 6198 in the year 2000 to 5469 today. This decline of 11.8% in total population is a continuing concern to community leaders.
The census also revealed a small but significant population shift from district 2 (Rushville) to district 1 (Gordon). This shift will require the redrawing of the voter districts from which Commissioners are elected. The population of each of the three districts must be within a 5% margin, which means that 123 voters must be shifted from district 1 to district 2. The Commissioners have been working for weeks with the new interactive census maps to devise a redistricting plan that will maintain, to the greatest extent possible, the integrity of voting areas. A narrow strip along the west side of Gordon and an area south of Hwy 20 will be assigned to district 2 if the plan is approved.
The Commissioners will vote on the proposed plan Monday, November 21, 2011. As always the public is welcome to attend the meeting and to offer comment on the proposal. A copy of the proposed new map is posted below this text.
The following will be in Commissioner District 2:
All of sections 23, 35 and the part of sections 24, 25, and 26 not withing the city limits of Gordon in T33N R42W.
All of sections 3, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 in T32N R42W.
All of sections 6, 7, 18, 19, 30, 31 in T31N R42W.
