San Antonio City Council Meeting - August 13, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on August 13, 2026, to consider a proposed FY2027 budget, a property tax rate increase, and a ballot measure to reauthorize Pre-K for SA for 20 years. The meeting opened with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and a proclamation celebrating the Children's Shelter's 125th anniversary. The council approved the consent calendar (except items 15 and 16), adopted the tax rate ordinance and public hearing schedule, and voted to place the Pre-K for SA reauthorization on the November 2026 ballot. The council also approved an extended sick leave restoration for a fire engineer.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 8-3 (routine and unanimous actions) as a group, except item 15 (withdrawn by staff) and item 16 (pulled by a council member for separate consideration).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jack Finger (member of the public) spoke against the proposed budget and tax increase, arguing the city should live within its means, reduce spending, and not raise taxes while residents are struggling. He also questioned the effectiveness of Pre-K for SA, asking for data on long-term outcomes.
• Andrea Ramirez (District 5 resident, educator) supported the Pre-K for SA reauthorization, emphasizing the program's positive impact on children and families, and urged the council to let voters decide.
• Paul Rodriguez (director of policy at a partnership organization) supported the Pre-K for SA reauthorization, citing the program's role in early childhood education and economic development, and noted the need for continued investment.
• Jack Finger (second appearance) clarified he was not signed up for the Pre-K item and left the podium when told the topic was Pre-K.

Discussion Items

• FY2027 Budget & Tax Rate (Items 4, 5, 6): City Manager Eric Walsh presented the proposed $4.4 billion total budget ($1.76 billion general fund), addressing a $158 million deficit through a combination of spending reductions ($89.6 million), the use of unused property tax increment, and fee increases. The proposed property tax rate is 35.8 cents per $100 for operations and 21 cents for debt service, an average increase of $2.95 per month for residents (with 47% of properties having frozen taxes). The budget includes 3% cost-of-living adjustments for civilian employees, 4% for police, 5% for firefighters, and adds 27 police officers for the new airport terminal. Cuts include 101 positions (54 filled), consolidation of some parks police duties, and reductions in overtime. Council members debated the necessity of a tax increase; some (Councilmember White, Villagran, Alderete Gavito) argued for deeper cuts before raising taxes, while others (Councilmember Villagran, Mesa Gonzalez, Castillo, Kore, Galvan, Munguia) supported the increase as needed to maintain services and invest in public safety, infrastructure, and homelessness programs. Councilmember Spears requested a budget scenario without the tax increase. A motion to approve item 5 (tax rate ordinance) passed on a voice vote. A motion to approve item 6 (public hearing schedule) also passed.
• Pre-K for SA Reauthorization (Item 7): Sarah Bray (President of Pre-K for SA) presented a request to place a ballot measure on November 3, 2026, reauthorizing the program for 20 years with a 1/8 cent sales tax (current authorization expires March 2029). She highlighted the program's successes: serving over 25,000 children since 2020, improving third-grade reading and math scores, and supporting military families. Council members debated the timing and 20-year term; Councilmember Villagran expressed concern about approving before a strategic plan is finalized, while Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez, Munguia, Galvan, and Kore supported letting voters decide. Councilmember White opposed due to lack of long-term metrics. The council voted to approve the ordinance (motion passed).
• Extended Sick Leave Restoration (Item 16): The fire chief requested approval to restore 416 hours of sick leave for Fire Engineer Robert Bayer, used for treatment of an injury suffered in the line of duty. The council briefly discussed the precedent and fiscal impact (~$20,000), then voted to call the question (motion passed) and subsequently approved the ordinance (motion passed).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved as amended (excluding items 15 and 16).
• Item 5 (Tax Rate): Approved (voice vote). The proposed property tax rate of 35.8 cents per $100 (operations) and 21 cents per $100 (debt service) moves forward.
• Item 6 (Public Hearing Schedule): Approved (voice vote). Public hearings set for September 2, 2026 (5:00 PM) and September 10, 2026 (9:00 AM).
• Item 7 (Pre-K for SA Election): Approved (voice vote). The ballot measure will ask voters to reauthorize Pre-K for SA for 20 years on November 3, 2026.
• Item 16 (Sick Leave Restoration): Approved (voice vote). Fire Engineer Robert Bayer's 416 hours of sick leave restored.
• The council adjourned to executive session at 1:46 PM to discuss real estate and legal matters (no action taken).

Note: The meeting took place on August 13, 2026, as confirmed by the transcript.