§ 473.24 POPULATION ESTIMATES.

(a) The Metropolitan Council shall annually prepare an estimate of population for each county, city, and town in the metropolitan area and an estimate of the number of households and average household size for each city in the metropolitan area with a population of 2,500 or more, and an estimate of population over age 65 for each county in the metropolitan area, and convey the estimates to the governing body of each county, city, or town by June 1 each year. In the case of a city or town that is located partly within and partly without the metropolitan area, the Metropolitan Council shall estimate the proportion of the total population and the average size of households that reside within the area. The Metropolitan Council may prepare an estimate of the population and of the average household size for any other political subdivision located in the metropolitan area.

(b) A governing body may challenge an estimate made under this section by filing its specific objections in writing with the Metropolitan Council by June 24. If the challenge does not result in an acceptable estimate, the governing body may have a special census conducted by the United States Bureau of the Census. The political subdivision must notify the Metropolitan Council on or before July 1 of its intent to have the special census conducted. The political subdivision must bear all costs of the special census. Results of the special census must be received by the Metropolitan Council by the next April 15 to be used in that year's June 1 estimate under this section. The Metropolitan Council shall certify the estimates of population and the average household size to the state demographer and to the commissioner of revenue by July 15 each year, including any estimates still under objection.