WEST JORDAN — West Jordan plans to challenge a census estimate that puts its population at 94,309, saying the city has surpassed 100,000 people.

The number is not only a significant milestone for this Salt Lake City suburb that's grown from a small farming town into a bustling city — it would mean "first-class" city status, a state bestowed designation that comes with some privileges.

West Jordan city officials insist the city hit 100,000 last year and now has topped 101,000 and they plan to file a census challenge this month.

Betty Naylor's 30-acre farm is further proof of the city's surge. She says she feels under siege by the encroaching stucco homes in various shades of beige that now surround her property.

"They love your open space. They love your farm — until you start burning ditch (weeds) at 1 in the morning," Naylor, 61, says, surveying her neighbors.

This month, the farm turns 100 years old. Despite buyout offers as high as $200,000 per acre, Naylor vows to keep the farm as long as her three sons — Kenneth, Bradlee and David — will work it for her. Still, it's doubtful the farm ever will pass into fifth-generation hands, those of her one grandchild, 7-year-old Sydney.

A citywide celebration of the city's 100,000 mark kicks off this week.

On Wednesday, the first baby born to West Jordan parents after 12:01 a.m. at Jordan Valley Medical Center will be named the symbolic 100,000th resident.

Veterans Memorial Park is also scheduled to hold a celebration of the milestone with fireworks Friday and softball tournament and other events Saturday.