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San Antonio River Authority Proposes 5.46% Tax Rate Increase for 2027 Budget Amid Rising Costs

San Antonio River Authority Proposes 5.46% Tax Rate Increase for 2027 Budget Amid Rising Costs

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is planning to increase its tax rate by 5.46% in its 2027 budget. This proposed increase, from the current $0.01830 per $100 valuation to $0.01930, marks the highest tax rate in the agency's history. The decision comes as SARA faces rising operational costs and a decline in revenue from property taxes, a challenge also impacting other local taxing entities. Deputy General Manager Rick Trefzer initially indicated in June that a rate increase might be avoidable, but new data revealing a decrease in property tax valuations necessitated the change. If the current rate were maintained, SARA projected a nearly $900,000 reduction in revenue compared to the previous year. The proposed new rate is expected to generate an additional $1.8 million annually, bringing total revenue to $52.5 million. The SARA board unanimously voted in favor of the proposed increase, citing the necessity to avoid service cuts and fund critical projects.

CPS Energy Expands Community Solar Program in San Antonio, Offering Bill Credits to Participants

CPS Energy Expands Community Solar Program in San Antonio, Offering Bill Credits to Participants

CPS Energy is expanding its community solar power program in San Antonio, allowing residents to invest in solar panels installed at off-site, prime locations. This initiative enables customers to receive credits on their electricity bills by selling the generated solar energy back to CPS Energy. The program is a collaboration with Big Sun Solar, a San Antonio-based company specializing in commercial solar projects. Robert Miggins, CEO and co-founder of Big Sun Solar, stated that the program targets residential customers but is open to any CPS account holder, including those who cannot install solar panels on their own roofs due to various reasons such as renting, unsuitable roof direction, or aesthetic preferences. A single solar panel costs $1,240 and is projected to save customers $115 annually on their power bills over a 20-year period, potentially accumulating $2,300 in savings. The new program will make 50 megawatts of solar power available, enough to power 10,000 homes, and will be rolled out in two ...

Bexar County Considers Budget Cuts to Domestic Violence Program as Pandemic-Era Funding Expires

Bexar County Considers Budget Cuts to Domestic Violence Program as Pandemic-Era Funding Expires

Bexar County is facing a significant budget shortfall of over $140 million for the next five years, leading to proposed cuts across various county programs. Among the programs under review is the Safety Team Active Response (STAR) domestic violence resource program. This program, along with others like the domestic violence impact courts and preventative health initiatives, has been supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which are set to expire on December 31, 2026. The county manager has placed these programs on contingency after their grants expire, indicating that their future funding is uncertain. The STAR program provides crucial support to survivors of domestic violence in unincorporated Bexar County, offering resources such as hotels, transportation, counseling, food, and connections to other aid programs like crime victims’ compensation through the Texas Attorney General’s Office. Survivors have expressed deep concern over the potential cuts, emphasizing the program's vital role in the...

Long Island Neighborhood on Edge Following Unprovoked Pit Bull Attacks

Long Island Neighborhood on Edge Following Unprovoked Pit Bull Attacks

A Long Island neighborhood in Dix Hills is experiencing heightened concern after two pit bull dogs reportedly attacked a woman and her husband without provocation. The incident occurred 10 days prior to the report, when the woman was jogging and was subsequently attacked by the dogs. Her husband, Larry Ballereau, also became a victim when he intervened to help her. Both individuals sustained bruises and cuts. Despite the attacks, the two pit bulls remain in the neighborhood, residing just down the block from the victims. The dogs' owner, Helen Tarnaras, and her daughter, Stacie, claim that a visitor left a side gate open, allowing the dogs to get loose. Neighbors, including Joe Campanelli, are demanding the dogs' removal, citing the unprovoked nature of the attacks. A Suffolk judge is scheduled to hold a hearing to determine the fate of the dogs.

Tempe Woman Severely Injured by Foster Dog She Rescued

Tempe Woman Severely Injured by Foster Dog She Rescued

A Tempe, Arizona, woman, Liz Schidler, who fostered dogs for nearly five years, was severely attacked by a foster dog named Benny, which she had saved from euthanasia. The incident occurred on July 8 in her backyard when Benny attacked another dog before turning on Schidler. She sustained serious injuries, including an artery tear in her left arm, resulting in the loss of three units of blood and requiring emergency surgery. Schidler was hospitalized for four days and, months later, is still unable to use her arms. Benny, a stray, was placed on a euthanasia list by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control due to medical concerns but was transferred to a New Hope partner, Desert Dog Project, which Schidler worked with. The county stated that Benny did not exhibit concerning behavioral signs prior to the attack. Schidler is sharing her story to warn other foster volunteers about the risks and the importance of asking questions and being prepared.

Family Brings Life-Size Cutout Of Their Dog Sofa Shopping To Find The Perfect Fit

Family Brings Life-Size Cutout Of Their Dog Sofa Shopping To Find The Perfect Fit

When Gus Alonso and Cynthia Gámez considered updating their living room with a new couch last year, their own color and style preferences weren’t the only things they kept in mind.

The Rise of Schutzhund as a Working Dog Sport

The Rise of Schutzhund as a Working Dog Sport

Schutzhund, a German word meaning

Local Rescue Dog Uzo Becomes Top-10 Finalist in People Magazine's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest

Local Rescue Dog Uzo Becomes Top-10 Finalist in People Magazine's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest

Local Rescue Dog Uzo Becomes Top-10 Finalist in People Magazine's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest

Golden Retriever Puppy Sully's Affection for Cat Lucy Goes Viral Despite Mixed Signals

Golden Retriever Puppy Sully's Affection for Cat Lucy Goes Viral Despite Mixed Signals

Golden Retriever Puppy Sully's Affection for Cat Lucy Goes Viral Despite Mixed Signals

Young Boy Dies Four Days After Near-Drowning Incident at San Antonio Community Pool

Young Boy Dies Four Days After Near-Drowning Incident at San Antonio Community Pool

Malachi Israel LeBlanc, a young boy, died on August 9 due to complications from a near-drowning incident that occurred four days earlier. The incident took place on August 5, just before 7:30 p.m., at a residential community pool located near Turquoise Sky and Wilderness Oak in San Antonio. According to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Malachi was found unresponsive in the water and was pulled from the pool. Deputies initiated life-saving efforts until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. He was subsequently transported to a hospital in critical condition, where he remained for four days before his death. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office has officially ruled his death an accident.

San Antonio Spurs Seek Financial Analyst to Bolster Financial Planning and Liquidity Projections

San Antonio Spurs Seek Financial Analyst to Bolster Financial Planning and Liquidity Projections

San Antonio Spurs Seek Financial Analyst to Bolster Financial Planning and Liquidity Projections

S. boulardii Probiotic Yeast Offers Digestive Support for Dogs, Requires Veterinary Guidance

S. boulardii Probiotic Yeast Offers Digestive Support for Dogs, Requires Veterinary Guidance

S. boulardii Probiotic Yeast Offers Digestive Support for Dogs, Requires Veterinary Guidance