NOW THE CITY REALIZES THEY CAN NOT PROVIDE SERVICES?

The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper had two very disturbing articles in today's edition.

Police brace for shortage in annexation's wake
As city officials plan to take over duties from county with added land, department seeks 48 new positions

Here are a few highlights:

"It's Phase 2 of the annexation process — slated for the end of 2011 — that has them concerned, Deputy Chief Abram Anaya said. The city will absorb more than 10 times the number of new residents and nearly twice the amount of acreage as it will in Phase 1. "

"Two years ago, city police asked for 45 new officers over three years to improve the service to existing residents. Anaya said that request "was not reflective of annexation." However, budgetary constraints have meant that the department only received four of those positions in the 2008-2009 budget, and will get no new officer positions in 2009-2010, Anaya said. "

"I absolutely think they need more personnel (for those areas)," Solano said. "There's no doubt about that."

City faces reorganization for absorbing fringe areas

"As Santa Fe city officials approach completion of the first of three planned annexations to the city limits, details about costs and responsibilities for a bigger city remain undefined. Figuring out how to pay for road repairs on traffic arteries that will become the city's responsibility, preparing to provide police and fire protection for residents in a larger territory and making sure new residents have containers for trash pickup are among the tasks at hand"

Area 1 residents, as well as all other residents facing annexation, are urged to stay informed and involved. There are many critical issues ahead.