The U.S. Census Bureau has decided not to hire local field workers in Chatham County for a census "dress rehearsal," disappointing local officials who had recruited people for the jobs.

A county committee had stepped up the effort to find census workers when a shortage was reported, officials said in a news release Tuesday.

"We were stunned to receive this information with such late notice," County Manager Charlie Horne said in the release. The decision stemmed from "funding issues," he said.

As many as 300 county residents were awaiting word on field worker jobs, Horne said.

"To find out that no jobs are available at this point will be devastating news for some residents," he said.

Nine counties are taking part in the effort, in preparation for the nationwide count in 2010.

Residents in Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond and Scotland counties will receive forms by mail this month. They are being asked to return the forms by mail.

Debra Henzey, Chatham's director of community relations, said the lack of field workers may lead to an incomplete count. Henzey also heads the county's Complete Count Committee.