San Antonio City Council Debates Tax Increase and Budget Cuts Amidst $158 Million Deficit
The San Antonio City Council is currently engaged in a contentious debate over how to address a projected $158 million budget deficit spanning the next two fiscal years. City staff have proposed a plan that combines $90 million in cuts and funding shifts, along with two tax hikes and increased fees. This proposal has sparked strong reactions among council members, with some advocating for deeper cuts to avoid tax increases, while others emphasize the necessity of maintaining essential services. Alternatives presented to the council included a plan to keep the tax rate flat by cutting an additional $75 million, which would impact police and fire overtime, library hours, and parks programming, leading to the elimination of 171 positions on top of 101 already planned. Another alternative, front-loading tax increases, received little support. The current budget proposal suggests raising the tax rate in FY 2027 to 56.288 cents per $100 of valuation, resulting in an average increase of $49 for homesteads, with a... 
