Public Meetings - San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio City Council convened on June 11, 2026, at 9:07 a.m. with a quorum present. The meeting opened with a prayer and reflection led by a community leader, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved minutes from the May 22, 2026 meeting. Several special recognitions were made: the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Armed Forces, a proclamation for Philippine Independence Day, and honors for Jossi Award winners and a local veteran. Most agenda items were approved on the consent calendar, except for items 12, 13, and 25, which were pulled for individual consideration. A key debate occurred over the bond committee selection process, resulting in a failed resolution. Consent Calendar - Minutes: Approved unanimously with no corrections or edits. - Item 6 (District 8 park partnership): Councilmember Mesa González highlighted a $100,000 contribution from the San Antonio Medical Foundation for a park project connecting to Dr. William Henry, providing safe play surfaces for children. - Item 9: Councilmember Core noted funding for Brackenridge Park capital improvements and access improvements. - Item 22: Councilmember Core recognized funding for the Mark Walsh Tennis Center and park improvements, thanking Councilmember Castro for leadership. - Item 17: Councilmember Castillo emphasized acceptance of $3.2 million from the Texas Department of State Health Services for 32 positions to support COVID-19, measles, and tuberculosis prevention programs by Metro Health. - All other consent items were approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public registered to speak on any agenda items. Discussion Items - Item 12 (CPS Energy Howard Switching Station): Ordinance authorizing acquisition via negotiation or condemnation of approximately 192 acres on the south side of the city for a 765 kV switching station. Councilmember Mungia, whose district includes the site, made the motion to approve. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 13 (CPS Energy Howard to San Miguel Transmission Project): Ordinance authorizing acquisition of permanent and temporary easements for a transmission line in southern Bexar County and Atascosa County. Motion by Councilmember Mungia, seconded and passed unanimously. - Item 25 (Bond Committee Selection Process): Resolution to require council approval of co-chairs and official bond committee members for the 2027-2032 bond program. Staff presented the process: the mayor appoints three chairs and two co-chairs per committee, with 163 total members selected by district. Councilmember Mickey Rodríguez voiced support but wanted further future dialogue; he voted no. Councilmember Mungia questioned why it was on consent and voted no, citing lack of bond fund knowledge and process concerns. Councilmember Villagran explained historical inequities in bond funding, particularly for the south side, and supported council confirmation of appointments. Councilmember White proposed an amendment requiring council approval of all committee assignments (not just co-chairs), which was seconded and passed. Debate continued: Councilmember Mungia opposed the amendment, arguing it complicates a simple process and noting that other committees have less funding oversight. Councilmember Galván asked about process flexibility. The main motion as amended then failed. Key Outcomes - Items 12 and 13: Approved unanimously, allowing CPS Energy to acquire land and easements for critical electrical infrastructure projects. - Item 25: The resolution was amended to require full council approval of all bond committee assignments, but the amended motion failed. The bond committee selection process remains unchanged for now. - Special Recognitions: The council celebrated the U.S. Armed Forces 250th anniversary with a cake cutting and proclamation, declared June 12, 2026 as Philippine Independence Day, and honored Jossi Award winners Ricardo Martínez and Isabela Cervera who will compete nationally. Councilmember Mungia recognized the 10th anniversary of Pearsall Park, and Councilmember Castillo honored veteran Hilario for his service. - Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

On June 11, 2026, the San Antonio City Council held a special session to receive briefings on the 89th Texas Legislative interim session and the 119th U.S. Congress, and to begin developing the city's state and federal legislative programs for 2027. Government Affairs Director Sally Basurto presented an overview of recent legislative activity, grant successes, and the timeline for crafting the next agendas. Council members provided feedback and outlined their priorities. Discussion Items - State Legislative Overview: Sally Basurto reported that over 9,000 bills were filed during the 89th Texas Legislature (2025), of which 2,200 were tracked by the city and 260 enacted impacting municipalities – a 12% increase in bills filed and 22% more tracked compared to the 88th session. The city secured over $174 million in competitive grants in 2023-2024. In 2025, 15 grant applications were submitted. The presentation covered interim charges, property tax reform proposals (governor's plan capping local spending growth to the lesser of population plus inflation or 3.5%, and lieutenant governor's alternative plan increasing the homestead exemption to $180,000 for homeowners aged 55 and $240,000 for seniors), and key federal priorities including surface transportation reauthorization, housing funding (CDBG, HOME, CSBG), and military affairs (DHA consolidation, new VA medical center). - Councilmember McKee Rodriguez (IGR Chair): Outlined a theme of affordability and opportunity, emphasizing the "big four": housing, education, healthcare, and transportation. Stressed protecting local ordinances, municipal utilities, and opposing discriminatory bills. Called for a pro-worker agenda including raising the minimum wage and expansive public school education and child care. Encouraged building relationships with delegation members and other Texas cities to align efforts. - Councilmember White: Expressed opposition to taxpayer-funded lobbying but acknowledged the professionalism of the city's team. Criticized the city's lobbyists for opposing a state bill that exempted small business equipment from property taxes without prior council discussion; the bill passed and costs the city $9.2 million annually. Supported the governor's property tax proposal requiring two-thirds voter approval for tax increases and appraisal caps. Called for a clearer legislative agenda with specific priorities rather than broad language like "protection of fiscal stability." - Councilmember Corr: Questioned whether the $9.2 million lost could have been redirected to actual small business support, noting the majority of the exemption benefited large commercial businesses. Suggested the city could have sought amendments to target smaller businesses. - Councilmember Castillo: Highlighted district priorities including corrections re-entry (Bexar County Reentry Center), juvenile justice reform, environmental regulation of auto metal recyclers, mental health facilities diversion, homelessness prevention, public education, and healthcare worker wages. Requested tracking of specific interim charges and monitoring bills on obscene material possession. - Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez: Emphasized the importance of collaborating with smaller South Texas cities due to San Antonio's smaller congressional delegation. Asked about the status of the new VA hospital (funding in president's budget for land acquisition, environmental impact statement completed). Inquired how council-approved priorities guide bill positions; staff noted the IGR committee provides regular direction. - Councilmember Viecaran: Stressed advocating for quality of life, economic opportunities, infrastructure, and working with school districts. Noted the value of National League of Cities and Texas Municipal League memberships for region-wide perspective and household-level impacts. - Councilmember Galvan: Supported public health, Medicaid expansion, ACS, education funding, childcare, and data center regulation regarding local control (citing governor's recent PUC directive). Asked for better alignment of legislative agenda with SA to DC trip priorities and further collaboration with chambers. - Councilmember Mungia: Appreciated the team's work, noted the value of San Antonio's collaborative public-private approach in grant applications. Encouraged partnership with South Texas cities for economic development and supporting CPS Energy and SAWS on transmission projects. Inquired about the RFQ for state lobbying services; staff confirmed it is open, with recommendations expected in August/September via the IGR committee. - Mayor Jones: Asked for a performance scorecard to assess the effectiveness of the lobbying team compared to other Texas cities like Houston and Dallas. Requested faster fiscal impact analysis during sessions and a cumulative unfunded mandates count. Highlighted priorities: public health, transportation, affordable housing, veterans, trade agenda (USMCA renewal), immigration (visas for tech and healthcare), public education (school voucher impacts), and supporting SAWS and CPS Energy. Called for understanding consequences of a potential doubling of voucher funding. - City Manager Jeff Dailey and Staff: Responded that fiscal impacts are calculated quickly but require focus on moving bills. The city uses the adopted legislative agenda to guide positions. The IGR committee will provide detailed updates and allow for adjustments. The team is conducting outreach to potential new federal lawmakers. The RFQ for state lobbying services is open until later in June. Key Outcomes - Next Steps: The IGR committee will continue meeting to gather departmental priorities and develop a draft legislative program by August/September 2026. Full council briefings are planned for October, with bill pre-filing on November 9, 2026, and the 90th Texas legislative session beginning January 12, 2027. - Direction: The council directed staff to provide more explicit fiscal impact analyses and performance metrics for lobbying consultants, including comparisons with other large Texas cities on grant awards. Council members will submit memos with specific priorities. - Process: The state legislative agenda will focus on preserving municipal authority, protecting fiscal stability, and opposing unfunded mandates. The federal agenda will emphasize housing, transportation, military, aviation, and community development block grants. The city will monitor interim charges on local government spending, property tax relief, mental health, homelessness, and economic development tools.

On June 11, 2026, the San Antonio City Council held a special session to receive a comprehensive update on state and federal legislative efforts, grant opportunities, and the work of the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Committee. The meeting, which ran from approximately 1:03 PM to 2:28 PM, featured a presentation from Sally (Saliva Asulto), Director of Governmental Affairs, followed by extensive discussion and input from council members on legislative priorities and advocacy strategies. Discussion Items - Legislative Update Presentation: Sally presented an overview of Governmental Affairs' activities at the state and federal levels. She highlighted increasing legislative impacts on the city: during the 88th Texas Legislature (2023), over 8,000 bills were filed, with 230 impacting municipalities; in the 89th Legislature (2025), over 9,000 bills were filed, with over 260 impacting municipalities. She noted that the city successfully secured over $174 million in bonds through grant applications, with 15 bond requests submitted in 2025. The state legislative session for 2027 is being prepared through interim committee hearings, including discussions on water revenue transfers and Proposition 2127 (preemption of city ordinances). Federal priorities include surface transportation authorization, housing bill, and securing funds for aviation (terminal development, ATP program), the South Pavilion restoration, and military medical operations. Sally emphasized the importance of protecting municipal authority and unfunded mandates, and the need for a formal legislative agenda for 2027. - Council Member Comments and Priorities: Several council members spoke, expressing support and raising concerns. Key themes included: - Affordable Housing and Economic Development: Council members Rodríguez, Viagran, and others stressed the need for affordable housing, living wages, childcare support, and alignment with school districts. Rodríguez outlined three priorities: education, housing/health, and transportation. He also called for tracking the impact of state decisions on multigenerational households. - Lobbying and Transparency: Councilman White criticized the city's lobbying efforts, citing a missed opportunity to support a state bill that would have exempted small businesses from certain equipment taxes. He argued that the city's opposition was based on a broad stance in slide 10 (fiscal stability protection) without proper council consultation. He requested clearer communication and financial impact analysis (e.g., the exemption would have cost $9.2 million). - Federal Grants and Competition: Council members Mesa González and Munguía discussed the need to compete with larger cities (New York, Los Angeles) and to collaborate with smaller regional cities. They emphasized the importance of building relationships with potential new congressional representatives after the November elections. Mesa González highlighted the veterans hospital project ($30 million for land acquisition, new hospital preferred) and the need to prevent obstacles. - Public Education, Criminal Justice, and Healthcare: Councilwoman Castillo raised priorities including reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, regulations for metal recyclers, healthcare for people with disabilities, and protecting public school funding. She also noted a 15% increase in criminal justice matters and the need to monitor bills on obscene materials. - Data Centers and Infrastructure: Council members Galván and Munguía discussed zoning for data centers, protecting local authority, and ensuring infrastructure supports economic growth. Munguía stressed cooperation with CPS Energy and SOS, and the need for workforce development. - Veterans and Military Issues: Councilman (alcalde) emphasized the importance of the veterans hospital and ensuring federal funds for military missions. - IGR Committee Report: Councilman Macky Rodríguez, chair of the IGR Committee, outlined the committee's purpose: to develop a strong state and federal legislative agenda that focuses on affordability, safety, and collaboration with school districts and regional partners. He called for a comprehensive review of department needs and building relationships with new delegates. Key Outcomes - The council received the legislative update and acknowledged the need for a more formal, flexible legislative agenda to guide lobbying efforts. - The IGR Committee will continue to meet regularly to refine priorities and provide updates to the full council. A draft legislative agenda is expected to be presented by the end of 2026, with council discussions in October and November. - The city has an open RFQ for professional lobbying services; the IGR Committee will review proposals and make recommendations to the Audit Committee in August or September 2026. - Council members requested better tracking of legislative impacts (financial and otherwise) and more proactive communication from the Governmental Affairs team, especially for fast-moving bills. - The city will continue to collaborate with Bexar County and regional partners to amplify advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels. - No formal votes were taken during this special session; the meeting was informational and preparatory for the upcoming 90th Texas Legislature (2027) and federal actions.

The Building Standards Board of San Antonio convened on June 11, 2026, to hear six cases involving dangerous and substandard structures. The board reviewed staff recommendations, police testimony, and property owner representations, voting on demolition, repair, or resetting of cases. All votes are recorded. Consent Calendar - Staff reported two emergency demolitions: 1970 (demolished June 1, 2026, due to a May 26, 2026 fire) and 3335 (demolished May 29, 2026, due to a May 23, 2026 fire). No board action required. - The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting unanimously (voice vote). Public Comments & Testimony - 1615 Alhambra: Police Officer Gómez testified about two years of complaints, including drug activity, homeless encampments, and multiple arrests. He noted the property is a constant nuisance and a safety hazard for pedestrians, including children walking to school. - 101 Regent: Police Officer Brandon Gaines read an email from Officer Carlos Guillén reporting 12 calls since January 2026 regarding homeless individuals, stolen property, and drug activity. The property is near a park and the San Antonio River. - 1830 West Laurel: Police Officer Willy Scott described 39 calls in the past year, including assault, overdose, a stolen vehicle, and drug paraphernalia. He noted the property is near Little Flower Catholic School. - 410 Elks Dr.: Police Officer Brandon Guillén testified that 10–13 people were frequently inside without water or electricity. During a DART operation on May 19, 2026, two arrests were made for drug possession. He highlighted the property's proximity to a primary school and high pedestrian traffic. - 601 South Hackberry: The property representative (massage therapist) explained delays in repairs due to a contractor who moved to Hawaii. She secured a new contractor the day before the hearing. - 437 Aran St.: Emails were read from the lender (Lone Star Capital) and the title holder (Lone Ranger LLC). The lender requested a 30-day reset to determine the loan status; the title holder requested 90 days to complete the demolition themselves. Discussion Items - 1615 Alhambra (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The property had been vacant and severely damaged by fire, with extensive deterioration, trash accumulation, and structural failures. No engineering report or financial proof was provided. The owner was not present. - 101 Regent (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The structure had a collapsed roof, exposed wiring, rodent/insect infestation, and evidence of homeless occupation. No owner present. - 1830 West Laurel (first appearance): New owners (Joaquín Arch and Bradley Ford) appeared, representing the company that purchased the property on May 13, 2026. They requested a 180-day extension to repair (120 days for engineering/permits, 60–90 days for construction). They presented experience in construction and landscaping. The board discussed conditions including securing the property, providing a no-trespassing affidavit, registering in the vacant buildings program, and regular progress reports. - 410 Elks Dr. (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The interior was filled with trash, no plumbing, structural damage, drug paraphernalia found. Police noted 10–13 occupants. No owner present. The board added a motion to post a notice for first responders. - 601 South Hackberry (third hearing): Previous order to repair had not been completed (only a hole in the floor patched). Permits were obtained in February 2026 but expired in August. The representative asked for additional time; she had a contractor starting the next week. Staff noted the structure is repairable. The board voted to allow 90 days for repair. - 437 Aran St. (first appearance): Staff recommended demolition. The property had severe structural issues, vandalism, and a detached garage in poor condition. The owner (LLC) was not present; emails indicated the lender wanted a reset and the title holder sought 90 days to demolish. The board voted to reset the case to the next available agenda (30 days). Key Outcomes - 1615 Alhambra: Motion to demolish within 30 days, secure, and clear debris. Vote: 7–0 in favor. - 101 Regent: Motion to demolish within 30 days, secure, clear debris, and disconnect utilities. Vote: 7–0 in favor. - 1830 West Laurel: Motion to reset (not demolish) for repair, with conditions: secure property, provide no-trespass affidavit, register in vacant buildings program, and submit progress reports. Vote: 6–1 in favor (John Solis opposed). - 410 Elks Dr.: Motion to demolish within 30 days, evict occupants, secure, clear debris, disconnect utilities, and post notice for first responders. Vote: 7–0 in favor. - 601 South Hackberry: Motion to order repair within 90 days, with the property secured and free of debris. Vote: 7–0 in favor. - 437 Aran St.: Motion to reset the case to the next available board agenda (30 days) to allow the lender to determine loan status. Vote: 4–3 in favor (John Solis, Jamie Giro, and Fernández opposed).

The Building Standards Board convened on June 11, 2026, at 9:05 AM to hear several cases regarding dangerous and dilapidated structures. The board considered six properties, taking actions ranging from demolition orders to resets for repair. All votes were recorded. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the previous meeting's minutes. - Staff reported two emergency demolitions: the accessory structure at 197 Grove Road (demolished June 1, 2026, after fire on May 26, 2026) and the structure at 3335 Gingham Point (demolished May 29, 2026, after fire on May 23, 2026). No further board action required. Public Comments & Testimony - Officer Gomez (SAPD) testified regarding 1615 Alohambra, describing two years of ongoing issues with homeless individuals, drug activity, and structural concerns. - Officer Brandon Guinness (SAPD) relayed an email from Officer Carlos Guian regarding 101 Regent, citing 12 calls since January 1, 2025, for homeless entry, fires, and arrests. - Officer Willie Scott (SAPD) spoke on 1830 West Laurel, noting 35 calls in two years for assaults, overdoses, and fire; drug activity near a school. - Joaquin Arch and Bradley Ford (new owners of 1830 West Laurel) presented a plan to repair the structure, requesting an extension of up to 180 days. They provided financial documentation and committed to securing the property. - Officer Brandon Guinn (SAPD) testified on 410 Elks Drive, reporting 10–13 people living inside without utilities, drug arrests, and proximity to schools. - Angela Jarman (daughter of deceased owner of 601 South Hackberry) presented a contractor contract and requested additional time for repairs, citing delays due to a contractor's absence. - Written public comments for 437 Aaron Street were read: attorney Gene Rosas requested a 30-day reset, while lender Zach Lofton (Loan Ranger Capital) requested a 90-day extension to complete foreclosure and then demolish. Discussion Items 1. 1615 Alohambra (First Time, Demolition Recommendation) - Staff presented extensive photos showing fire damage, rotted foundation, exposed wiring, and trash. Owner not present. Officer Gomez described two years of police calls. - Motion: Declare public nuisance, demolish within 30 days, secure and clear debris. Passed 7–0. 2. 101 Regent (First Time, Demolition Recommendation) - Staff documented fire and water damage, rodent infestation, and unsafe conditions. Owner not present. Police testimony provided. - Motion: Demolish within 30 days, secure, clear debris, vacate, and cut all utilities (friendly amendment). Passed 7–0. 3. 1830 West Laurel (First Time, Demolition Recommendation) - Staff showed fire damage from December 9, 2025, with rotted foundation and vagrant use. New owners presented a repair plan with a $12,500 budget and requested 180 days. Board entered executive session for legal consultation (10:08–10:47 AM; no action taken). - Motion: Reset the case with conditions: property must remain secured, free of debris, notice to vacate enforced, owners sign no-trespass affidavit, register with vacant building program, provide progress reports, and city remove permit blocks. Passed 6–1. 4. 410 Elks Drive (First Time, Demolition Recommendation) - Staff noted trashed interior, no water, structural damage, and first responder hazards. Owner not present. Police described drug activity and squatters. - Motion: Demolish within 30 days, vacate, secure, clean debris, cut utilities, and post warning for first responders (friendly amendment). Passed 7–0. 5. 601 South Hackberry (Reset, Third Hearing, Repair Recommendation) - Staff reported a fire from February 7, 2024, with permits issued in February 2026 but minimal progress. Owner's daughter Angela Jarman presented a contractor and requested 90 days. - Motion: Declare public nuisance feasible to repair, order repair within 90 days, and keep property secured and free of debris. Passed 7–0. 6. 437 Aaron Street (First Time, Demolition Recommendation) - Staff described fully gutted interior, vagrant activity, and dangerous conditions. Owner (Bedronka Investments LLC) not present; attorney requested 30-day reset, lender requested 90-day reset citing foreclosure. - Motion to reset: Passed 4–3 (Kayla Miranda, Joel Solis, Jamie Little voted no). The reset will be set on the next available agenda. Key Outcomes - Demolition ordered for 1615 Alohambra, 101 Regent, and 410 Elks Drive (all within 30 days). - Reset with conditions for 1830 West Laurel; owners must comply with security, vacant building registration, and no-trespass requirements. - Repair order for 601 South Hackberry within 90 days. - Reset for 437 Aaron Street; no specific deadline set. - The board approved updated BSB guidelines (Section 8, Item M removed) effective May 28, 2026. - Meeting adjourned at 12:25 PM.

The San Antonio City Council held a public comment meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:08 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027-2031 Consolidated Plan and FY2027 Annual Action Plan and Budget for the city's four HUD entitlement grant programs (CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA). No votes or council deliberations occurred during this portion of the meeting; the council heard public testimony and then moved to general public comment. Public Hearing - Oz Nunez expressed concern that grant monies should be used to actually house homeless individuals rather than only tearing down encampments. He noted that while some homeless veterans have been housed, a greater effort is needed to create housing for others, including those with AIDS and other medical conditions. - Diana Uriegues urged the council to use the budget to help people with housing and safety issues, citing recent house explosions. She requested that funding be restored to housing vouchers that were removed, which she said contributed to homelessness. She also called for improved drainage and asked the council to work for the people. Public Comments - The transcript ends before the public comment session begins. Vanessa Acosta had signed up to speak but was deferred to the public comment portion; her remarks are not recorded. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was opened at 5:09 PM and closed at 5:15 PM. No motions or decisions were made. The meeting then proceeded to the public comment portion (not fully transcribed). Note: No agenda or minutes were provided; summary is based solely on the raw transcript.

The San Antonio Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM. A quorum was present. The meeting consisted of a combined hearing agenda (consent items) and an individual hearing agenda. The only item discussed individually was Item 13, a proposed plan amendment and rezoning at 2814 Vera Cruz Street. The meeting concluded at 2:12 PM. Consent Calendar - The combined hearing agenda (all items except Item 13) was approved unanimously by a roll call vote (Commissioner Bustamante recused from items 1, 3, 6, 7). Discussion Items Item 13 – Resolution amending the Guadalupe West Side Community Plan from low density residential to high density mixed use at 2814 Vera Cruz Street. - Planning Manager Kelly Sanders presented staff’s recommendation for denial, noting the 1,875 sq ft lot is inconsistent with the high density mixed use category and would place three dwelling units on an interior low-density residential block. Fifty notices were mailed; two in favor and zero opposed were received from within 200 feet; one in favor from outside 200 feet. The Grady Brady Gardens Community Organization opposed the plan; the El Charo Neighborhood Association did not respond. The Zoning Commission had recommended approval for an IDZ-3 zoning with three dwelling units. - Applicant Mark Guerra (West SA Tex Living) spoke in favor, explaining the proposal had been reduced from four units to three, using two shipping containers totaling 640 sq ft. One container would hold two 160 sq ft units, the other a 320 sq ft unit. Parking would be two spaces, meeting the IDZ-3 requirement (50% of units). Rents would be approximately $600/month, targeting affordable housing. The applicant noted acceptance of Section 8 vouchers. - Commissioners questioned the applicant about affordability metrics, ownership (West SA Tex Living as landlord), unit amenities (kitchenette, bathroom), and rental terms (long-term). Commissioner Sanchez expressed support, citing the need for affordable housing and noting the area is vulnerable to gentrification. Public Comments & Testimony - No one signed up to speak during the hearing. Written comments received: two in favor, zero opposed within 200 feet; one in favor outside 200 feet; the Grady Brady Gardens Community Organization opposed. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve Item 13 was made by Commissioner Sanchez and seconded by Commissioner Siegel. Vote: 7 in favor (Sanchez, Siegel, De Succi, Lopez, Cooper, Miller, Bustamante), 1 opposed (Wallerstein), 0 abstentions. Motion passed. - The director’s report was not given. Meeting adjourned at 2:12 PM.

The meeting was called to order at 2:03 PM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The B session briefing provided an overview of the city staff's review of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) proposed four-year rate plan (2026–2029). City staff presented their recommendations for modifications, based on a comprehensive analysis of SAWS operations, capital plan, and financial metrics. Councilmembers discussed the proposed rate increases, concerns about water leaks and infrastructure, affordability programs, and next steps. Action on the rate ordinance is scheduled for the June 18 A session. Summary of SAWS Proposed Rate Plan & City Staff Recommendations SAWS originally proposed rate increases of 7.9% (2026), 7.6% (2027), 7.1% (2028), and 6.6% (2029) for residential customers. City staff recommended adjustments after a detailed review, resulting in a revised plan: 6.9% (2026), 6.5% (2027), with a guaranteed minimum of 5.5% (2028) and 5.0% (2029), with the potential to increase up to 7% and 6.6% respectively, contingent on accountability measures and city staff review. The recommended reductions stem from several O&M adjustments: - Elimination of 48 vacant positions in the field operations group (related to the completion of the AMI program), offsetting the addition of 37 new positions. - Reduction of the WECO water contract budget from $8 million to $2 million due to drought conditions (a take-and-pay contract). - Removal of a $1.2 million budgeted CPS rate increase, consistent with city budgeting practices. - Removal of the senior lien debt assumption (reduction of $3.1 million in revenue requirement), as SAWS has historically issued junior lien debt. City staff validated SAWS’ five-year capital improvement plan (CIP) of $3.2 billion, noting that the majority (about $2.9 billion) is focused on water delivery and wastewater. No capital projects were removed from the list. The review also endorsed SAWS' strong credit ratings (Fitch AA+, Moody's AA1, S&P AA+). Council Discussion and Positions Councilmember White inquired about the rationale for the reductions and the flex mechanism for 2028–29, confirming that rate increases above the minimum would require review by public utilities staff and a briefing to council but not a separate vote. Councilmember Spears questioned the sustainability of the financial model, the treatment of capitalized costs, and how excess revenues would be used. She also asked about enforceability of accountability measures; staff responded that unmet benchmarks would preclude increases above the guaranteed minimum. Councilmember Aldarete Gavito expressed strong concerns about recurring major water leaks in her district (e.g., four leaks near Jefferson High School since 2023) and criticized that 70% of water main replacement funding is directed to districts 1, 10, 2, 3, and 4, but not her district. She questioned operations and communication across agencies. She also requested postponing the rate decision until after an audit of SAWS capital programs is completed. SAWS CEO Robert Puente responded that the audit would not address the need for the capital projects and that deferring would only delay needed increases. He noted a 19% reduction in line breaks since 2023 and improved response times. Councilmember Massa Gonzalez commended the review, noting community tours and the necessity of investment. She asked about the senior lien debt assumption and was told it has not been used in 12 years. She expressed support for moving forward. Councilmember Galvan praised the detailed work and expressed support for the recommendations while noting discomfort with raising rates. He asked about the Uplift program expansion to 150% of federal poverty guidelines and noted that there is no cap on the number of participants. He requested more detailed data on conservation programs for general class customers and multi-family dwellers. Councilmember Viegra emphasized water's importance for growth and conservation efforts. She urged keeping rate increases as low as possible and asked about staffing adequacy and prevention programs for homeowners. Councilmember Corr focused on Uplift enrollment: currently 1,700 families in District 1, with expansion eligibility to over 10,000. She requested a target for increased enrollment and discussed impact fees for multifamily housing. Councilmember Castillo (District 5) stressed that proactive infrastructure investment is more cost-effective than reactive repairs, citing economic multipliers and public health risks. She noted that District 5 residents acknowledged the need for investment in water quality and infrastructure. Mayor Jones provided a summary of a map showing work orders (14,591 work orders from 2020–2025) and water main replacements concentrated in older districts. He reiterated the urgency to avoid fines and maintain credit ratings, citing the recent downgrade of Corpus Christi’s credit outlook. He expressed confidence in the plan and support for the rate adjustment. Key Outcomes - City staff recommended approval of the modified four-year rate plan as presented. - The rate ordinance is scheduled for action at the June 18 City Council A session. - Accountability measures for 2028–29 rate increases above the guaranteed minimum will be ingrained in the ordinance. - SAWS will continue proactive outreach to enroll eligible residents in the expanded Uplift program. - Councilmembers will receive additional data on conservation programs, impact fees, and multi-family rental assistance opportunities.

Staff from the San Antonio Water System (SOS), including Troy, Jeff Cowen (Assistant Finance Director with 25 years of experience), and Robert Puente (SOS President), presented a comprehensive review of the proposed operational budget, capital improvement plan (CIP), and tariff adjustments for the coming years. The session focused on the rationale for tariff increases, infrastructure investments, conservation programs, and customer assistance. Council members raised concerns about water main breaks, deferred maintenance, the Uplift low-income assistance program, and the impact on residents. Discussion Items - Tariff Increase Proposal: Staff recommended a tariff increase of 5.9% for fiscal years 2025-26 (approximately $14 million), with a 2.1% increase for 2025 and additional increases for materials and costs. The presentation showed a proposed residential increase of 7.9% for 2026 and 6.9% for 2027, with a potential reduction in later years. Council members expressed a preference for lower increases, with Councilmember Villagrán stating comfort with a maximum of 7% for 2028-29 but urging SOS to aim for the lower end as soon as possible. - Personnel Realignment: Staff recommended the elimination of 48 vacant positions and the addition of 37 positions to improve responsiveness to service metrics. This was part of the operational budget to address historical staffing gaps and improve response times for water main breaks. - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): The CIP for 2026-2027 includes $30.2 million for a five-year plan, with a focus on potable water infrastructure and $3.2 million for specific programs. Councilmember Alderete Gabito noted that currently only about 50% of deferred maintenance is funded and questioned plans for the remainder. Robert Puente clarified that the CIP is for plant improvements, not all deferred maintenance. - Uplift Program Expansion: The Uplift program, which assists low-income households, will see its eligibility threshold raised from 125% to 150% of the federal poverty level. Staff estimated that this could increase eligible families from about 5,300 to potentially over 10,000. The program is funded by a surcharge (32 cents per 1,000 gallons) on all customers. Councilmembers Spears and Galván requested more details on program marketing and automatic enrollment. - Infrastructure Concerns: Councilmember Alderete Gabito highlighted persistent water leaks in his district (e.g., at Jefferson High School, Hildebrand area) and noted that 25% of repair funds were concentrated in districts 1, 3, 5, and 7. He expressed frustration that the Monticello and Jefferson High School areas were not prioritized. Robert Puente acknowledged the issue and stated that SOS has increased its workforce to address breaks, with a goal of reducing the number of breaks that peaked in 2023. - Conservation and Customer Outreach: Councilmember Galván emphasized the need to better communicate conservation programs to residents, especially those just above the poverty line who may not qualify for Uplift. Staff noted they are exploring multiple outreach methods, including public events and digital tools, and have individual programs for businesses. - Coordination with Other Departments: Councilmember Galván asked about improved coordination between SOS and the city's public works department (C.P.L.) regarding street cuts and infrastructure projects. Staff confirmed regular meetings with Mike Shannon and Arturo to align schedules. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken at this informational session. The session served to present the staff recommendations to the City Council. - Consensus on tariff direction: Council members generally acknowledged the need for increases to fund infrastructure but urged SOS to keep increases as low as possible and to return with a more detailed plan for 2029. - Personnel changes to proceed: The recommendation to eliminate 48 vacant positions and add 37 positions was presented as part of the budget package, with the understanding that SOS could return to council if more staffing is justified. - Uplift program expansion supported: Council indicated support for the eligibility threshold increase, with a request for more data on enrollment and outreach strategies. - Infrastructure prioritization to be reviewed: Councilmember Alderete Gabito called for a more transparent process for prioritizing pipe replacements based on age, material, and soil. Robert Puente noted that a capital committee is already discussing this and will present to council in the coming months. - Next steps: Staff will continue to refine the budget and tariff proposals, with further council discussion expected before final adoption.