We’ve already used this space to say this several times, but obviously, about half of the local residents didn’t get the message.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated this week that only 47 percent of Covington County’s residents have filled out their census forms.

What that means is this: If we don’t get off our collective duffs and get these forms in, our communities could end up receiving only half of the grant funding for which it is qualified for the next 10 years.

That’s right. We live with the results of this count for a decade.

Not only will a bad count affect funding, but it could affect our representation in Montgomery and Washington, as well.

We’ve heard everything from “I don’t want those census people at my house” to “the government doesn’t need to know how many bathrooms are in my house,” which is one of the questions on the form.

Don’t want company? Fill out the form. Census workers will only go to the homes of people who don’t respond.

Think how many bathrooms you have should be a secret? Skip that question and try not to think about the fact that the information is available to anyone who cares to take the time to go to the courthouse and look at your property appraisal.

The bottom line is that we need to pull together as a community to make sure we’re all counted. If you’ve filled out your form, that’s great. Please remind your neighbor, the members of your Sunday School class, and your best friend that they need to send theirs, too.

It could make the next 10 years better for all of us.