San Antonio Fire Chief Presents $443M Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2026

The San Antonio City Council convened for a special session on August 19, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, focusing primarily on public safety and emergency services. The meeting began with an emphasis on the guiding principles for budget allocation, prioritizing funding for essential services such as fire, police, and emergency medical services (EMS).

Chief Frosto of the Fire Department presented an overview of the department's budget, staffing, and operational capabilities. He introduced his command staff and highlighted the department's commitment to maintaining effective services with nearly 1,900 uniformed employees and 129 civilian staff members. The Fire Department operates from 54 fire stations and includes specialized teams for various emergency situations.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 is set at $443.6 million, reflecting a cumulative increase of 33% over the past eight years. Chief Frosto outlined several key initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, including the addition of two squad units and 12 uniformed positions to enhance response times in high-demand areas. These smaller units are designed to alleviate the workload on frontline engines, allowing them to remain available for major emergencies.

The budget also includes funding for a comprehensive needs assessment to evaluate staffing, equipment, and facilities, ensuring the department can effectively plan for future growth. Additionally, the Fire Department is proposing the purchase of drones for operational purposes, marking a significant advancement in their capabilities for incident response and search and rescue operations.

The council discussed mandated costs for the upcoming year, including an 8% wage increase as part of a collective bargaining agreement and funding for the UT Health Science Center, which provides critical oversight for the EMS system.

In terms of infrastructure, the meeting addressed ongoing projects to replace temporary fire stations with permanent structures, ensuring that the Fire Department can continue to meet the community's needs effectively.

Overall, the session underscored the city's commitment to public safety and the importance of strategic budgeting to support essential services while minimizing long-term risks to the community. The council will continue to review the proposed budget and initiatives as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.