San Antonio City Council Meeting – September 10, 2026

The San Antonio City Council met on September 10, 2026, from approximately 9:50 a.m. to 3:29 p.m. Key actions included confirming Jesse Salome as police chief, approving a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the police union (16.5% wage increase), and voting on extensions of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs) for Midtown and Inner City projects. The council also held a public hearing on the proposed FY 2027 budget and tax rate, with adoption scheduled for September 17, 2026.

Proclamations & Personal Privileges

• Hispanic Heritage Month (September) proclaimed; speakers from the 17 de Septiembre Commission thanked the council.
• Recovery Month proclaimed; representatives from Center Core Foundation and Unity Recovery spoke about substance abuse recovery services.
• Councilmember Macy Rodríguez recognized seniors from District 2 and highlighted upcoming funding for a new senior center (passed later as Item 21).
• Councilmember Villagran honored 2M Smokehouse for winning Food Network’s barbecue competition; owners Saul and family attended.
• Councilmember Mesa González recognized Oakland Estates for its 100th anniversary as the first colonia in San Antonio.

Consent Calendar

• Items 10–26 approved as a group, except Items 20, 21, and 22 (pulled for individual consideration).
• Point 19 highlighted: a pilot diversion center for recovery, supported by Councilmember Castillo.
• Point 12 (sunset provision for inactive boards and commissions) and Point 15 (La Villita ordinance amendments) also noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Budget Public Hearing (Item 5): Paul Rodríguez (Updown Park Marshall) urged maintaining funding for delegated agencies, citing a proposed $5.1 million reduction. Erika Alvarado and Chayanne Chendon supported increasing license fees for recycling businesses to cover enforcement costs. Marvin Casanilla (recycling business owner) opposed the increase, arguing it would drive businesses out. Jack Finger criticized the proposed tax rate increase.
• Midtown TIRS Extension (Item 20): Dozens spoke over 2.5 hours. Supporters (Botanic Garden, Zoo, Brackenridge Park, Chamber of Commerce) cited economic multipliers (e.g., $31 return per $1 invested for the garden). Opponents (community advocates, residents) called the public subsidy to billionaire Spurs owners “obscene,” demanded transparency, and argued funds should instead address basic needs in underserved neighborhoods. Student Anissa Abinal and others supported park investments.

Discussion Items

• Police Chief Confirmation (Item 6): City Manager Eric Walsh presented the national search process; Jesse Salome, a 27-year SAPD veteran, was confirmed unanimously (11–0) after council members praised his community focus and transparency. Salome identified priorities: violent crime reduction, officer wellness, and community trust.
• Police Union Contract (Item 7): The 3-year agreement (2026–2029) provides 16.5% wage increases (4% in FY27, 5% in FY28, 7.5% in FY29), health care cost-sharing changes, shift restructuring, and expanded disciplinary processes. Cost: $102.3 million over three years, fully included in the proposed budget. Approved 10–1 (Councilmember Macy Rodríguez dissented).
• Midtown TIRS Extension (Item 20): Proposed extension to 2060 to finance up to $10 million each for the Botanic Garden, Brackenridge Park, and Zoo, plus up to $60 million for ITC property acquisition (for Spurs arena). After extensive debate, Councilmember Munguía offered an amendment requiring staff to present a financing plan ensuring all obligations conclude before 2060, including potential affordable housing bonds. The amendment passed 10–1 (Mayor Jones opposed). The amended main motion passed 7–4 (Councilmembers Castillo and Galván abstained; Macy Rodríguez and Mayor Jones voted no).
• Inner City TIRS Extension (Item 21): Extended to 2060 to authorize up to $46 million in debt for a District 2 senior center and aquatic center. Approved unanimously (11–0).
• District 3 TIRS Projects (Item 22): $1.8 million for aquatic facilities, $751,688 for a pavilion, and $40,000 for security cameras. Approved unanimously (11–0).

Key Outcomes

• Police Chief Confirmed: Jesse Salome sworn in as Chief of Police.
• Police Union Contract Approved: 3-year deal with 16.5% raises, costing $102.3M, effective October 1, 2026.
• Midtown TIRS Extended to 2060 (with amendment for earlier sunset analysis) – 7–4 vote.
• Inner City TIRS Extended to 2060 (unanimous) – District 2 senior/aquatic center funded.
• District 3 TIRS Projects Approved (unanimous).
• Budget Adoption Scheduled: Final vote on FY 2027 budget and tax rate (proposed increase of $0.56 per $100 valuation) on September 17, 2026; failure to obtain seven votes for the M&O rate would trigger a 7.5% budget cut and maintain the current tax rate.