San Antonio City Council Meeting - September 10, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on September 10, 2026, at 9:07 AM. The meeting included proclamations for Hispanic Heritage Month and National Recovery Month, confirmation of a new police chief, approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA), public hearings on the FY2027 budget and property tax rate, and consideration of three Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIF) extensions. The meeting concluded at 3:29 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the city council meetings of August 17, 19, 20, 25, and 26 were approved unanimously.
• Items 10–26 on the consent agenda were approved en masse, except items 20, 21, and 22 which were pulled for individual consideration. Councilmember Castillo highlighted item 19, which earmarks funding for a mental health diversion center pilot program.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the Consent Agenda: Alexander Testa, an associate professor at UT Health Science Center, spoke in support of item 19 (diversion center pilot). He noted that 36 stakeholder interviews have been conducted, that San Antonio/Bexar County is the only major metro area in Texas without such a center, and urged moving to a pilot phase quickly.
• On Tax Rate and Budget (Item 5):
  • Anna Acevedo (CEO, San Antonio Education Partnership) urged continued scholarship funding, citing nearly 3,000 students needing support.
  • Paul Rodriguez (UP Partnership) urged maintaining current funding levels for delegate agencies and requested clarity on the FY28 funding outlook.
  • Erica Alvarado (District 2 resident) expressed support for increasing licensing fees for MREs and UARPs to fund enforcement of stronger codes.
  • Cheyenne Rendon (District 4/5 resident) argued that stronger regulations require resources for enforcement, and that taxpayers should not bear the cost.
  • Christian Ramos (co-president, Students of Doctors) advocated for a 12‐month pilot of sanitation infrastructure (Portland loos, dumpsters) at the Via central bus stop.
  • Marvin Hassania (salvage yard owner) opposed the proposed fee increase for recycling businesses, suggesting quarterly inspections as an alternative.
  • Jack Finger opposed the property tax rate increase, arguing the city should cut spending rather than raise taxes.
• On Item 20 (Midtown TURS Extension): Multiple speakers expressed opposition, arguing that public subsidies for billionaires (Spurs ownership) are inappropriate while essential services face cuts. Supporters, including representatives from the Botanical Garden, Zoo, REXSA, SABOR, and Texas Restaurant Association, cited economic impact data and the need for strategic investment in the urban core.

Discussion Items

• Item 5 – Public Hearing on Tax Rate and Budget: Budget Director Freddie Martinez presented the proposed $4.4 billion FY2027 budget, composed of $1.76 billion in the general fund, $1.2 billion in restricted funds, and $1.4 billion in capital. The property tax rate would increase by roughly 2 cents to 56.288 cents per $100 valuation, resulting in an average annual increase of $202.95 for a median homestead. 47% of homesteads are tax-frozen and would not be impacted. Adoption is scheduled for September 17, 2026.
• Item 6 – Confirmation of Police Chief: City Manager Eric Walsh presented Jesse Salome as the next chief of police after a nationwide search. Salome, a 27‐year SAPD veteran, rose through the ranks. Council discussed his priorities (violent crime reduction, officer morale, community trust), immigration enforcement (SAPD does not enforce immigration law; no ICE requests in the last three months), accountability, and his experience as LGBTQ liaison. Salome was confirmed on a voice vote: 9 ayes, 1 nay (Councilmember McKee Rodriguez), with Mayor Jones voting aye. He was sworn in immediately.
• Item 7 – SAPOA Collective Bargaining Agreement: Maria Villa Gomez presented the tentative three‐year agreement: a 16.5% wage increase (4% in FY27, 5% in FY28, 7.5% in FY29), employee health care contribution increases, realignment of patrol shifts to improve coverage, and discipline process enhancements. The agreement was ratified by 61% of SAPOA members. Total cost is $102.3 million over three years. The motion passed 10–1 (Councilmember McKee Rodriguez dissenting).
• Item 9 – Briefing on Workforce Solutions Alamo Budget: CEO Adrian Lopez presented the proposed FY2027 operating budget of $195.4 million, a 2.2% decrease from the prior year. The budget supports 16 career centers, child care for 13,000 children daily, and various workforce development programs. No vote was taken.
• Item 20 – Midtown TURS Extension: Veronica Garcia (NHSD) presented four actions: extending the zone to 2060, funding up to $10 million each for the Botanical Garden, Brackenridge Park Conservancy, and San Antonio Zoo (plus financing costs), and up to $60 million for the former Institute of Texan Cultures property (ITC) for a new Spurs arena. Finance staff noted that the 60‐million could be accommodated within the current TURS term (2041) but with tight buffers. After public testimony and debate, Councilmember Mungia moved to amend the item to require staff to present a finance plan and ordinance that allows financing of current projects while ending the TURS before 2060. Councilmember Cor added a friendly amendment to include housing programs and potential housing bond discussions. The amendment passed 7–4. The main motion as amended passed 7–2–2 (Cor, Viagran, Mungia, Alderete Govito, Masa Gonzalez, Spears, White aye; McKee Rodriguez, Mayor Jones nay; Castillo, Galvan abstained).
• Item 21 – Inner City TURS Extension: The ordinance extends the zone to 2060 and authorizes up to $46 million (plus financing) for the design and construction of a District 2 senior center and aquatic center. Councilmember McKee Rodriguez highlighted community engagement and the historic investment in the East Side. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
• Item 22 – Mission Drive TURS Extension: The ordinance extends the zone to 2060 and authorizes: $1.8 million for a District 3 aquatic facility, $751,668 for a pavilion at the World Heritage Center, and $45,000 for a closed‐circuit television system in the San Antonio Missions Historical Park. Councilwoman Viagran noted the years of effort behind these projects. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Police Chief Confirmed: Jesse Salome was confirmed as San Antonio’s new police chief and sworn in.
• SAPOA Contract Approved: A three‐year collective bargaining agreement with 16.5% wage increases and other provisions was approved.
• Midtown TURS Extended with Conditions: The zone was extended, but staff must return with a finance plan that shortens the term and includes housing program options.
• Inner City and Mission Drive TURS Extended: Both were extended to 2060, funding major capital projects in Districts 2 and 3.
• Budget Schedule: The FY2027 budget and property tax rate adoption are scheduled for September 17, 2026.