RIB MOUNTAIN, Wis (WSAU) The Town of Rib Mountain may challenge their population-count in last year's U.S. Census.

Census Bureau figures say the town lost 9-percent of its population, or more than 700 people. The town's population was reported a 7,556.

Town officials said they expected population to stay about the same, based on building permits and economic activity in the area. They say negative growth makes it more difficult to qualify for state and federal grants, and gives the perception of a struggling community.

Cities and towns have until June to decide if they'll contest the census bureau's numbers.