Delhi News Bureau

The U. S. Census Bureau has released revised population figures, but local officials say the new numbers haven't changed enough in this area to make a difference.

The Accuracy Coverage Evaluation Revision for this area generally shows population decreases since the 2000 census numbers were released.

In Chenango County there are 393 fewer people than originally indicated. In Delaware County the number is down by 269 people. Otsego County has 335 less people and Schoharie County's population has gone down by 298 people.

The study looked at states, counties and "places," which includes villages and cities, but not towns. In the 36 "places" in the four-county area, seven cities and villages increased slightly. One village — Franklin — remained the same as the other 28 places decreased in population.

Chenango County Planning Director R. C. Woodford said the area is seeing some loses, but when compared with other areas in the state, they are minimal.

The city of Norwich showed the biggest loss of population in this area, decreasing by 85 from 7,357 residents to 7,272.

"The trend is something to keep an eye on, but it isn't earth shattering," Woodford said. "It's a generalization that some upstate areas are seeing a population decline, but it's not a huge problem.

"It's not like somebody is going to have to shut off the lights after everybody leaves," Woodford said.

Erik Miller, a planner with the Otsego County Planning Department, said this is the second time an Accuracy Coverage Evaluation has been done. In the first recount, there was an over-count, which resulted in population statistics that were too high, he said.

This time, the figures were revised downward.

Miller said in most situations the original population totals from the 2000 census are used for legal purposes. But, he said, the revised figures are also helpful.

Otsego County was originally listed in the 2000 census as having 61,676 people. The new, revised total is 61,341.

"The revised numbers will help us get a better handle on the actual population," Miller said.

"For planning and grant writing purposes, we will probably use the 61,341 figure because it's more accurate, particularly on a countywide basis."

Miller said the revised census numbers could impact the redistricting plans underway in Otsego County, depending on where the population changed the most.

"The impact of the revised numbers depends on what you are using the information for, and how you are using it," Miller said.

Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller said census officials incorrectly recorded both the number and the distribution of city residents during the 2000 count. She said they had approved a new set of numbers of residents in each city ward, but the total number of residents — 13,292 — remained the same.

The newly released numbers indicate a change in the overall total. According to the bureau, there are actually 13,310 people in Oneonta.

Muller could not be reached Thursday for a comment on the revised figures.

Changes in village populations ranged from a decrease of 30 people in Richfield Springs to an increase of 20 people in Sidney.

The village of Schoharie had the second highest decrease, losing 24 people, followed closely by the village of Delhi, which lost 20 people.

Smyrna, the smallest village on the list at 241 people, lost one person.

The only other villages on the list showing increases were Walton and Unadilla, with one more person each; Gilbertsville and Hobart, which each went up by two; and Otego, where there is six more people.

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Patricia Breakey can be reached at (607) 746-2894 or at stardelhi@stny.rr.com.