City Budget Proposes 2% Adjustment for Civilian Employees Amid Staffing Changes

The San Antonio City Council held a session on August 14, 2025, focusing primarily on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a review of the budget adjustments, highlighting a shift from a previously planned 3% salary increase for civilian employees to a proposed 2%. Notably, there are no salary adjustments planned for fiscal year 2027.

The budget office conducted a thorough review of every line item to ensure that historical spending aligns with actual budget needs. This critical review process, which had been paused during the pandemic, was reinstated last year and has contributed to the current budget proposal. Officials emphasized that the proposed budget would not significantly impact city services.

A key point of discussion was the proposed reduction of 68 positions within the city workforce, of which 35 are currently filled. The city had already begun slowing the hiring of non-critical positions in anticipation of these reductions. Human resources have identified alternative positions for the affected employees, ensuring they can transition smoothly without changes to their rank or pay.

The council also discussed priorities for employee compensation, reflecting feedback from both council members and the public. The meeting set the stage for further detailed discussions in upcoming budget work sessions, where specific investment areas will be examined in depth. Overall, the session underscored the city's commitment to maintaining service levels while navigating budgetary constraints.