Everyone knows Douglas County is growing, but census numbers show two cities fell short of expectations.
City and school officials in Baldwin and Eudora thought they had about 2,000 more people than the population numbers showed.
"You would like to think everyone in Baldwin was counted," Baldwin Supt. Jim White said. "If you look at the growth we've experienced, it doesn't seem accurate."
Earlier this month, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Baldwin grew 14.8 percent, or 439 people, since 1990, for a total of 3,400. Eudora, the county's fastest growing city, gained 1,301 people, increasing its population by 43.3 percent during the last decade to a total of 4,307.
The new number means Eudora must change its welcome signs, which proclaim its population is "6,300 and growing." The signs were constructed two years ago.
At the time, Mayor Fred Stewart said city officials based the population on the number of electric bills the city mails and then multiplied that number by three, the size of an average household. The formula's results were painted on the signs.
Since the census numbers are official, he said, the city will have to change the signs, but he still is disappointed in the tallies.
"I thought we had grown a little more than that," he said. "I've lived here 40 years and seen it grow from 800 to what it is today."
In Baldwin, city officials estimated they should have at least 150 more people, based on information from a Douglas County Economic Development report.
White said the school district gained 46 students this school year. Because of the continuing enrollment increase, he said, the school board probably will hold a bond-issue election this fall, asking voters to approve building a new elementary school. He said the ideal elementary size would be 350 students, but Baldwin Elementary is nearing 450 students.
Baldwin city officials also have taken steps to restrict growth.
Last fall, the city council placed a moratorium on future subdivision applications. The city can issue about 220 building permits before the wastewater treatment plant reaches capacity, and nearly that many residential lots have been platted and approved by the council.
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