SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Santa Fe officials say the northern New Mexico city's population now stands at approximately 82,000 following a major annexation. Santa Fe officials say 13,200 people became city residents when the latest phase of annexation added 4,100 acres on Thursday.
The annexation effort began in earnest in 2006 and is expected to continue for five more years. City employees say businesses in the newly annexed areas must now charge the city's gross receipts tax and must pay their employees the city's minimum or living wage.
Residents who are registered voters in the newly annexed areas will be able to vote in the March 4 city election.
