Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The San Antonio City Council met on October 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:39 PM. The meeting included proclamations, approval of the consent agenda, a detailed discussion and vote on SAWS rate adjustments for 2027–2030, and a resolution requesting utility and city department assessments for a proposed ICE detention facility on the east side.
On Item 4 (SAWS Rate Adjustments):
On Item 5 (ICE Detention Center Assessment):
Item 4: SAWS Rate Adjustments (2027–2030) SAWS CEO Robert Puente and CFO Cecilia Velasquez presented a proposed rate plan with fixed increases of 6.9% in 2027 and 6.5% in 2028, and ranges (min/max) for 2029 and 2030. The average residential bill would rise from $56.68 to $70.13 by 2030 (23.7% cumulative). The Uplift affordability program would expand to 150% of federal poverty level with a 30% participation goal. A five-year capital improvement program of $3 billion was outlined, including $170 million for the Stephen M. Klaus Water Recycling Center and 77 miles of water main replacement. Council debated an amendment to lower the residential rate ceiling by 0.2% in 2029 and 0.4% in 2030, expected to save $6.9 million over two years. SAWS indicated this would require delaying about $45 million in projects but would not touch seven priority projects. The amendment passed on a voice vote with Councilman White dissenting. The main motion as amended then passed; Councilman White and Councilwoman Spears voted no, with others in favor.
Item 5: Resolution for ICE Detention Center Assessment Councilman McKee Rodriguez introduced the resolution requesting SAWS and CPS Energy to perform operational and environmental assessments of the proposed 1,500-bed ICE detention facility at 542 Southeast Loop 410. An amendment was adopted to include city departments (police, fire, public works, development services) to analyze impacts on emergency response, infrastructure, and enforcement of city codes. Council debate included strong support from many members citing community fear, legal accountability, and prior ICE failures, while Councilwoman Spears and Councilman White opposed, arguing it exceeds city authority and is political theater. The resolution as amended passed on a voice vote; Councilman White dissented.
Vote Tallies:
SA. TV S.A. Good morning. The time is now nine AM on October 8th, 2026, and the meeting of the San Antonio City Council is called to order. Madam Clerk, please call roll. Councilmember Corps. Councilmember Mickey Rodriguez. Councilmember Via Gran. Councilmember Mungia. Present. Councilmember Castillo. Here. Councilmember Galvan. Here. Councilmember Aldarete Gavito. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez. Present. Councilmember Spears. Councilmember White. Here. Mayor Jones. Here. Mayor we have Corum. Great. Thank you, Madam Clerk. I'd like to welcome back today's invocator, Monsignor Rigoberto de Guzman, the Vice Rector and Dean of Men at Assumption Seminar Seminary for the Art of Archdiocese of San Antonio. Monsignor, please. We make ourselves aware of God's presence. As we start this session with a prayer. Thank you for your gift of life. The gift of a new day. You know us and you love us dearly. As we begin this session of the San Antonio City Council, we ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon us all. Grant our mayor, council members, and all who serve this community the wisdom to listen carefully, the courage to make difficult decisions, and the humility to value the common good, not only our personal good. We lift up those facing rising costs, challenges with housing and transportation, concerns about their health and safety, limited opportunities, and the pain of feeling neglected. May San Antonio be a place where every person can live with dignity, security, and hope. Guide our leaders to seek what is right and true to serve the good of both present and future generations. And for its many contributions through faith, service, hard work, professional excellence, and friendship. May its story remind us that San Antonio is stronger when every community has the opportunity to share its gifts. Make this council a place of respectful dialogue, thoughtful and intelligent discussion, and decisions guided by the common good. And may the work done here help make San Antonio a more just safe, compassionate, and prosperous city. A city worthy of the name of a saint. For you live and reign and love us forever and ever. Amen. Thank you, Monsignor. Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.