Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re diving into the latest budget proposal from the City of San Antonio. The city is looking at a hefty $3.96 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, breaking some records but also showing an effort to tighten belts in certain areas.
The proposed budget includes three main components:
- $1.67B – General Fund
- $860M – Capital Budget
- $1.43B – Restricted Funds
The city council is expected to finalize this budget on September 19, but let’s take a sneak peek into what’s on the table:
Belt Tightening
The city is facing a budget deficit, and expenses are growing faster than revenue. To address this, staff has proposed $36.6 million in cuts to the general fund over the next two years, with more cuts needed in FY 2026.
Proposed cuts include:
- Moving $23.6 million in expenses to other funds
- A $2.3 million cut in development incentives
- Eliminating $2 million in fund contingencies
- $4.4 million in budget adjustments
- Reducing the boarding home inspection program
The city has faced challenges with sales tax revenues coming in lower than expected, affecting property tax revenue as well. Despite these cuts, the city is looking to weather the storm and set the stage for future growth.
Fee Increases
While cutting costs, the city is also considering fee increases. Property tax rates will remain stable, but fees for services like trash collection, false alarms, and EMS transport may see a bump.
This strategy aims to balance the budget while ensuring essential services are maintained and improved.
Fire Contract Negotiations
The city is in negotiations with the Firefighters Association over a collective bargaining agreement. Wages remain a sticking point, with proposals differing significantly in cost. The city is navigating these negotiations while keeping a close eye on the budget.
Homeless Camp Cleanups
The city’s efforts to address homelessness include prioritizing camp cleanups and sheltering individuals. Key goals for the upcoming year include cleaning up 1,300 homeless camps and providing shelter for 500 people.
The city also has plans to support affordable housing initiatives to meet strategic goals.
ACS’ Bowl Filled Again
Animal Care Services is receiving increased attention and funding to improve responses to critical calls and enhance services. The city aims to hire more staff and expand services to better serve the community.
Other Highlights
In addition to these key points, the budget includes funding for various projects and initiatives, such as increased police and firefighter staffing, street maintenance projects, bike facilities, and more.
For a detailed look at the proposed budget, you can visit the City of San Antonio’s budget page.
Stay tuned for updates as the city finalizes its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. It’s an exciting time for San Antonio as it navigates challenges and seeks opportunities for growth and improvement.
Thank you for reading, and remember to check back for more updates!
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