(COURTESY OF ARIZONA DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION)
By Jason W. Brooks
A May 26 meeting could end up being a small step toward a change on the Arizona jurisdictional landscape.
Buckeye spokesperson Annie DeChance confirmed Thursday that staff met with a group from Tonopah regarding incorporation on May 26.
While incorporation as a city or town is typically a lengthy, arduous effort that involves many steps, agreements, votes and investments, the meeting symbolized one of the most substantial efforts in years for the small community to incorporate.
Details of the May 26 meeting were not disclosed.
The Buckeye City Council also met in a closed session in January to discuss elements of potential Tonopah incorporation along the western edge of Maricopa County. Tonopah sits just west of Buckeye along I-10.
Angela Hanna, a Tonopah-area resident, sent Independent Newsmedia several documents from various government agencies related to incorporation efforts. While there isn’t any formal action planned by the Buckeye City Council, at this stage, the road to incorporation would have benefits and drawbacks — and it might be an even tougher battle than what other communities faced in the past.
Arizona community groups wishing to incorporate as a municipality must accomplish several goals. These including getting two-thirds approval of voters in any city or town that would share a limit line with the new municipality.
