KGUN 9 is reporting on Tucson’s largest land annexation yet, which expands their boundaries and increases revenue for the city. South Tucson, including southwest of Swan and Valencia Roads and north and south of Craycroft Road and Interstate 10, will expand by over 600 acres. The decision was made by town officials and backed by the mayor in order to net more than $9 million, after costs, in just a matter of ten years.

Residents in this previously unincorporated area will see an immediate difference when the city of Tucson picks up their trash moving forward. That also means paying less property taxes since they’ll no longer utilize private services for trash and other utilities.

Water services will continue to be provided from Tucson Water but residents will be serviced by the Tucson Fire Department and the area will be under the jurisdiction of the Tucson Police Department’s south and east divisions. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department will no longer patrol the annexed area. 

Businesses incorporated in the area will now have to submit new paperwork to the city as well as pay city sales tax, which probably is the most unwelcome change for locals.

City officials reassured their new residents that the money collected will be directly reinvested in the area, including road repairs, a pedestrian walking path, and additional Tucson Police Department officers.