TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The 1.2 square mile city of South Tucson relies on sales tax from businesses that bring in non-residents, attracted by culture and cuisine. Despite its reputation as a hotspot for cultural staples, the small municipality struggles to fund essential services.
Amid attempts to navigate the mounting financial debt, the city noticed an uptick in unhoused people traveling through the city starting last year. The small city has had to work with minimal resources, while simultaneously dealing with big city problems.
The minimal resources for public safety came to light in the fall of 2023, when South Tucson residents heard the city council was looking into paying the City of Tucson to take over the fire department.
WATCH BELOW: Excerpt of council discussion
Excerpts from City of South Tucson City Council Tuesday, Feb. 20
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | “Hot” topic: the future of the South Tucson Fire Department
Eventually, the council hit a wall when deciding between outsourcing or continuing to fundits current fire service model. …