City Proposes $630M Police Budget with 53 New Officer Positions for FY26

Public safety took center stage at the San Antonio City Council meeting on August 14, 2025, as officials unveiled a significant budget proposal aimed at enhancing police and fire services. The proposed public safety budget for fiscal year 2026 is set at a staggering $1.08 billion, representing 63.7% of the city's general fund budget, an increase from 61.6% in the previous year.

Key highlights of the proposal include the addition of 53 new police officers, with 28 positions earmarked for supervisory roles at the upcoming South Flores Police substation, scheduled to open in 2027. The remaining 25 officers will bolster patrol efforts, aligning with the city’s goal to shift officer time to 60% proactive work and 40% on-call duties. This initiative is part of a broader five-year plan to increase the police force by 360 officers, with 190 already added in the first three years.

The budget also includes a historic move to convert 65 vacancies from park and airport police into positions within the San Antonio Police Department, alongside plans for six police academy classes, projecting 270 graduates in the coming year.

In addition to police funding, the proposed fire budget stands at $428.5 million, focusing on core operational needs. The discussions around these budget allocations are expected to continue, with a dedicated work session scheduled for next Tuesday, where council members will delve deeper into the implications of these investments on public safety and community engagement.

As San Antonio continues to grow, ensuring adequate response times and proactive community policing remains a top priority for city leaders. The proposed budget reflects a commitment to enhancing public safety amid tight financial conditions, setting the stage for ongoing conversations about resource allocation and community needs.