San Antonio City Council Meeting - August 14, 2025

The San Antonio City Council convened on August 14, 2025, at 9:04 AM, with a quorum present. The meeting included a ceremonial invocation, recognition of community events, approval of consent agenda items, public hearings on property tax rates and budget, a detailed presentation of the proposed FY2026 budget, and council discussion on fiscal priorities.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6-15 were approved as a block (consent agenda) with the exception of Item 12B (withdrawn) and Item 9 (pulled for separate consideration). The motion passed with a vote.
• Item 9: An ordinance extending the lease contract for La Villita for one year (September 2025 to August 2026) with a $9,000 deposit from the general fund. Council approved the motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 (Public Hearing on Tax Rate): Jack Finger, a resident, opposed the proposed property tax rate, arguing that the relief measures (homestead exemptions, senior freeze, etc.) are insufficient relative to rising property values. He called for a 10% tax relief and for the city to return CPS energy revenues to taxpayers. The council subsequently approved the tax rate ordinance (no increase) with a motion and second, and passed on a vote.
• Item 5 (Public Hearing Dates): No one registered to speak. The ordinance setting dates and locations for two public hearings was approved without discussion.

Discussion Items

• FY2026 Proposed Budget Presentation: City Manager Eric Walsh presented the proposed $4.4 billion total budget, including $1.69 billion general fund. Key points:
  • No property tax rate increase (maintained at $0.54159 per $100 valuation).
  • Projected two-year deficit of ~$173 million, addressed through spending reductions, revenue adjustments (fee increases, CPS energy sales policy), and use of one-time funds.
  • Proposed 2% COLA for civilian employees, 8% for fire, and 4% for police (as per contracts).
  • Investments: $4.8 million for a low-barrier homeless shelter, $33 million for street/sidewalk/drainage, $24 million for affordable housing, 53 new police officers (25 patrol + 28 for substation), and two new fire squad units.
  • Staff reductions: 68 positions eliminated (35 filled, employees being reassigned).
• Council Member Comments (in order):
  • Council Member Castillo-Anguiano requested a 3% COLA for employees, asked about blinking stop signs, alley funding, and increased fines for illegal dumping.
  • Council Member Gavito praised the budget team, supported infrastructure and public safety, and asked for clarification on the $4.8 million camp cleanup funds.
  • Council Member Cor thanked staff, emphasized performance measures, asked about health insurance premium increases (5% for employees), and suggested increasing fines for illegal dumping.
  • Council Member White supported 65 additional police officers (versus the proposed 25) and requested information on the cost of adding 65 officers. He expressed concern about the low-barrier shelter ($4.8M for 450 people ≈ $10,000/person) and urged focusing on basic services.
  • Council Member Mungía echoed the call for 3% COLA, supported fire squad units and street lighting, and questioned the efficiency of homeless camp sweeps, suggesting more investment in root causes.
  • Council Member Viagran of District 8 supported no tax increase, called for a 3% COLA, asked about fire station evaluations, and supported increased fines for illegal dumping.
  • Council Member Castillo emphasized coordinated efforts with the county for homeless services, support for arts and culture, and inclusion of CIP funds for sidewalks and parks.
  • Council Member Spears requested a demographic study of homelessness in District 9 and reiteration of CIP funding for infrastructure.
  • Council Member Cor supported eastern development, after-school programs, and a sidewalk plan. She expressed concern over lack of blinking stop signs and traffic enforcement.
  • Council Member Galvan supported arts funding and community marketing.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (Items 6-15, except 12B and 9): Approved on a motion with a second. (No recorded roll call split, but passed.)
• Item 9 (La Villita Lease): Approved on a motion.
• Item 4 (Tax Rate Ordinance): Approved (no increase, rate unchanged at $0.54159).
• Item 5 (Public Hearing Dates): Approved.
• Budget Direction: The council directed staff to provide additional information by Tuesday, including:
  • Cost analysis of adding 65 police officers (vs. the proposed 25).
  • Details on a 3% COLA for employees (costing ~$13.1 million).
  • Data on homeless camp sweeps, shelter occupancy, and denial rates.
  • A sidewalk plan and prioritized CIP funding.
  • Updates on the low-barrier shelter and homeless strategy.
• Next Steps: Five budget work sessions will begin the week of August 18, with community meetings and a final adoption scheduled for September 18, 2025.