San Antonio City Council Meeting - June 18, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on June 18, 2026, at 9:15 AM. The meeting included consideration of a major Toyota incentive package, a trial budget presentation for FY27, and a proposed SAWS rate adjustment. The council approved the Toyota package and continued the SAWS rate item to October, while providing extensive feedback on the budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the June 3-4, 2026 meetings.
• Approved the consent agenda (items 10-29) minus item 26, which was moved to the Toyota discussion. Highlights included:
  • Item 11: Ordinance approving construction contract for the Father Roman Community Center replacement project (approx. 12,000 sq ft, including lobby, gym, two classrooms, community programs, and parks office).
  • Item 12: Fire Station 21 replacement, authorized $12 million for design.
  • Item 10: Contract for Kenwood Community Center ($8.5 million for construction).
  • Item 28: Methodist Healthcare Right-of-Way Agreement.
  • Item 29: Appointment and reappointment of municipal court judges.
• The downtown accessibility and mobility study contract (item 22) was noted to include citizen input as discussed previously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Toyota Items (5,6,7,26):
  • Jonathan Gerwitz (Greater San Antonio Chamber) expressed support for the tax abatement, citing Toyota's long-term community partnership and economic impact.
  • Jack Finger opposed the package, arguing the cost per job ($220,000 per his calculation) was too high and questioning tax abatements for a large company while small businesses do not receive similar treatment.
• SAWS Rate Adjustment (Item 9):
  • Kevin Dennon (Greater San Antonio Chamber) supported the rate adjustment, emphasizing infrastructure needs and accountability.
  • Eric Lidecker opposed, criticizing CEO compensation and stating that the average water bill has increased 41-61% since 2008 with another 30% proposed.
  • Jonathan Gerwitz supported, stressing water loss as a key concern and the need for capital investment.
  • Jack Finger opposed, questioning the cumulative rate increase (26-30% by 2029) and where past rate money went.
  • Jessica Palacios (San Antonio Hispanic Chamber) supported, highlighting necessity for growth and transparency.
  • Rebecca Viagran (South Texas Business Partnership) supported, noting that infrastructure investment is essential for the South Side and economic competitiveness.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation – Juneteenth:
  • Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones read a proclamation declaring June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth Day. Councilman McKee Rodriguez delivered a speech emphasizing the ongoing fight against systemic racism, referencing incarceration rates, historical figures, and recent deaths of Black individuals. Mr. Oscar Vicks, a long-time Juneteenth parade organizer, also spoke about liberty, equality, and justice.
• City Manager’s Report:
  • Recognized Anna Martinez for 50 years of city service (deputy court clerk).
  • Highlighted Robert Ibarra, awarded National Waste and Recycling Association’s public sector driver of the year, with an accident-free record over 30+ years.
• Toyota Incentive Package:
  • Staff presented a package including:
    • 10-year 100% tax abatement (estimated $88 million).
    • $20 million for road improvements (east-west state spur) connected to Highway 281.
    • $8.25 million in Ready-to-Work on-the-job training grants.
    • $750,000 incumbent worker training grants.
    • $500,000 city fee waivers.
    • CPS Energy E16 rider discount (est. $16.2 million over 6 years).
    • SAWS fee waivers and infrastructure support.
    • Texas Enterprise Zone nomination for up to $3.75 million state sales tax rebates.
    • Total city incentive value: $122.1 million; estimated 2,000 new jobs at average wage of $32.36/hour (indexed); $2 billion private investment; construction starts September 2026, operational by 2030.
  • Council members expressed strong support, noting Toyota's history, workforce development, community giving, and the need to compete for investment. Some discussed wage exceptions (using total cash compensation vs. base wages). All spoke in favor; motion passed.
• Trial Budget FY27:
  • Budget Director Freddie Martinez presented a trial budget for FY27-28, including:
    • Recommended property tax increase using unused increment and 3.5% state-allowed growth (estimated $6.75/month average impact, $81/year).
    • Potential fee adjustments (EMS transport, fire prevention, parks environmental fee, library non-resident fee, Fiesta cost-sharing, etc.) totaling $21.9 million over two years.
    • Projected deficit of $157.7 million in FY28 without changes; proposed strategies: property tax increase, new revenues, reductions ($23.4 million over two years), and reserve adjustments.
    • If no tax increase, cuts would include eliminating 46 vacant positions, hiring freeze, department reorganizations, program service level reductions, and no civilian compensation increases (affecting 209 positions).
  • Council members gave varied input: many opposed a property tax increase without further efficiencies, supported fee increases, and insisted on cost-of-living adjustments for employees. Some emphasized the need for equity in cuts and protecting services for vulnerable communities. No vote taken; staff will develop a proposed budget by August 13.
• SAWS Rate Adjustment:
  • SAWS CEO Robert Puente presented a four-year rate plan (2026-2029) for a $3.2 billion capital program focusing on water supply, wastewater treatment, system reliability, and aging infrastructure. The recommended plan (compromised with city staff) would raise residential bills by 26-30% over four years, with increases of about 8-10% annually. The plan expands the Uplift assistance program to 150% of federal poverty level and includes a pilot for automatic enrollment in qualifying neighborhoods.
  • Council discussion included concerns about water loss, construction coordination, executive salaries, and past rate reductions. Several members noted the need for accountability and efficiency audits. A motion to continue the item to October was made and seconded. A call to question ended debate, and the motion to continue passed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved (minus item 26).
• Toyota Incentive Package (Items 5,6,7,26): Approved by council vote.
• SAWS Rate Adjustment (Item 9): Continued to an October 2026 A session; no increase voted at this time.
• Trial Budget: No final action; council provided input for the proposed budget to be presented August 13, 2026.