San Antonio City Council Budget Work Session – September 17, 2025

The San Antonio City Council met on September 17, 2025, from 2:03 PM to 4:03 PM for a budget work session to discuss proposed amendments to the fiscal year 2026 budget. City staff presented six amendments including base salary increases, additional police officers, traffic signal and radar funding, and revenue enhancements such as an environmental fee increase. Council members debated priorities among employee compensation, public safety staffing, affordable housing, support for delegate agencies, and health programs. The session concluded with the city manager summarizing adjustments based on council input, with a final budget vote scheduled for the following day.

Discussion: Salary and Compensation

• Council reviewed a proposed 2% salary increase with a $550 base pay raise, later adjusted to $750 for employees funded by restricted funds. The mayor suggested restricting the 2% increase to employees earning $100,000 or less, affecting 760 employees and saving $1.4 million. Councilmember Villagran strongly opposed this restriction, arguing that employees who have not received raises in over a decade deserve the full increase. Councilmember Galván supported the $750 increase for all employees to help them keep up with inflation.

Discussion: Police Staffing

• The proposed budget includes adding 15 new patrol officers (bringing total new officers to 40) at a cost of $3.4 million over three years, short of the previous goal of 65 officers. Councilmember White expressed disappointment, citing a UTSA study that recommended more patrol time to deter crime. Councilmember Cor suggested reviewing the strategic goal for patrol officers through the public safety committee. Councilmember Castillo supported adding officers but wanted a broader discussion on which units best address policy goals. Councilmember Alderete Gavito pushed for more officers, noting community demand for visible police presence. Mayor Jones and others noted that some officers are currently funded through overtime, and that reducing overtime could help pay for additional hires. The city manager confirmed that the 40-officer target was a council goal and that the final decision would require further conversation.

Discussion: Traffic Signals and Radar

• The budget restores $500 million (as stated in the transcript; likely a transcription error for $500,000) for installing traffic signals and new radar. Councilmember Cor requested that the radar funding be considered separately due to its importance for traffic safety.

Discussion: Environmental Fee Increase

• A proposed $0.50 increase in the environmental fee would generate $4 million annually. Councilmember Cor recommended a $0.25 increase instead to reduce the burden on residents. Councilmember White opposed any fee increase, stating that residents already pay enough. Councilmember Mungía supported the full $0.50 increase over five years as a necessary revenue source. The issue was left for further deliberation.

Discussion: Alamo Promise and Ready to Work

• The budget includes funding for Alamo Promise using Ready to Work dollars, but council members expressed concerns about metrics. Priscila Camacho of Alamo Colleges explained that job placement data is unavailable from the Texas Workforce Commission and recommended focusing on graduation and transfer rates instead. Councilmember Cor emphasized the need to track outcomes separately. The city manager confirmed that Alamo Promise results would be reported separately from Ready to Work metrics.

Discussion: Vacant Building Program

• A $95,000 position for a dedicated code officer to enforce vacant building regulations was discussed. Councilmember Castillo Anguiano supported the program, noting that vacant lots and buildings are linked to criminal activity in her district. Councilmember Alderete Gavito also supported the program. The fee for vacant residential properties was proposed at $250 but could be increased to $400 to fund the position.

Discussion: Delegate Agencies

• Several council members advocated for funding specific delegate agencies: Big Mama Safe House ($144,000 new), American Gateways ($50,000 additional), the Crisis Center (funded through a separate process), and Safe House. Councilmember Villagran highlighted that these agencies serve critical needs such as domestic violence support and immigrant services. Councilmember White suggested that a 2.5% reduction across all delegate agency funding ($24 million total) could free up $600,000 for other priorities like police. Councilmember Castillo argued that these agencies reduce 911 calls and complement public safety. The city manager noted that only about $4.8 million (20%) of the total is discretionary; the rest is for core services like homelessness and health.

Discussion: Metro Health and Mental Health

• The mayor requested $433,000 for Metro Health to expand mental health services, tuberculosis control, and clinic hours (36,000 additional hours). Dr. Jacob confirmed that the funding could be used to address gaps. Councilmember Galván supported these health investments. Councilmember Mungía asked for background information on transferring some youth programs from Metro Health to the Department of Human Services for consistency.

Discussion: Food and Beverage Fee

• A 20% increase in the food and beverage business permit fee was debated. Dr. Jacob explained that due to state law changes, many businesses would actually see a reduction compared to previous dual-license fees. Councilmember Villagran expressed concern that additional increases could hurt small businesses already struggling with inflation. Councilmember Gallavan suggested the matter be reviewed by a committee in the future.

Key Outcomes

• The council did not take a final vote but directed the city manager to prepare a revised budget reflecting:
  • The 2% salary increase with a $750 base for all employees (no restriction to those under $100,000).
  • Inclusion of 40 new police officers (15 patrol) with a commitment to review the patrol officer goal in committee.
  • Restoration of $1 million for minor home repair programs.
  • $95,000 for a vacant building code officer, funded by increased vacant property fees.
  • Funding for Alamo Promise with separate reporting on student outcomes.
  • Continued funding for delegate agencies: Big Mama Safe House ($144,000), American Gateways ($50,000), and others as discussed.
  • $433,000 for Metro Health programs (mental health, tuberculosis, clinic hours).
  • The environmental fee increase left at $0.50 pending further discussion.
  • The traffic signal and radar funding retained as proposed.
• The mayor noted that the final ordinance may require adjustments. The budget is set for approval at the next meeting on September 18, 2025.