City Budget

The $3.96 billion budget includes $36.6 million in cuts needed to balance the budget as revenue growth has slowed significantly compared to the last several years.

SAPD plans to hire 65 new patrol officers. SAFD plans 15 new positions to staff medical teams at the three busiest fire stations — Fire Stations 4, 19, and 44.

In the first tentative agreement reached between the city and the fire union since 2009, firefighters are receiving a 7% raise in 2025, an 8% raise in 2026, and a 5% raise in 2027.

The budget includes $10 million in cuts across the city and some new fees for residents on garbage carts and city event tickets, but no new taxes.

The final days of budget discussion focused on what started as 66 potential amendments that came from $20 million in unexpected revenue from CPS Energy.

The 2024 plan is about $300 million more than 2023, about a 9% increase. Among the city's priorities: Increase the number of officers for Animal Care Services, police, and fire department.

The council approved the budget Thursday 10-0 with one member abstaining from voting. During the meeting, several amendments were proposed including a reduction of funding in support to VIA Metropolitan Transit by District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry and cutting an increase in the San Antonio Police Department by District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, both of which failed with not enough support from council members.

Fueled by some increased sales, hotel taxes revenue and federal recovery funds this year, the proposed 2022 budget is slightly heartier than 2021. However, the potential medical and economic strain from the coronavirus’ delta variant has created some uncertainty.

San Antonio is recovering economically from COVID-19 but a deficit in the city’s budget is projected over the next five years, according to a forecast presented to the city council on Wednesday.

Protesters in San Antonio continued calls for the defunding of law enforcement on Friday night. About five dozen protestors attended the rally which…