OXFORD (AP) — The size of one Mississippi college town is nearly doubling Thursday, after a judge approved an annexation.

The Oxford Eagle reports Chancery Judge Glenn Anderson on Sept. 10 approved the plan for Oxford to take 12 sq. miles (31 sq. kilometers) in five separate areas into the city limits.

City police begin patrolling the area Thursday, while garbage collection will transfer in November. The city will begin offering water and sewer services in a “reasonable time” according to court records filed in the annexation case.

Alderman Ulysses Howell says newly annexed residents will get a letter explaining city services. The move will add 3,600 people to the city’s population.

The annexation won’t affect boundaries of the Oxford school district.
Oxford’s land area was previously 16 sq. miles (41 sq. kilometers).