[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6506448,"mediaKeyId","5682268-ec15fbb2c245cb869f104de4544af469","parentId",5682268,"title","San Antonio Public Library requests $58 million for FY2026; proposed cut to Book Festival support draws attention","audioSeconds",1024,"startMs",3426000,"endMs",4450000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682268-ec15fbb2c245cb869f104de4544af469&start=3426&end=4450","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682268-ec15fbb2c245cb869f104de4544af469/thumbnail_3426000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6506448/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/San-Antonio-Public-Library-requests-58-million-for-FY2026-proposed-cut-to-Book-Festival-support-draws-attention","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506448-b36c41be9f6f61475d7a0bbdaa163d05/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435629&Signature=B156jD4w~ji4-BHPIthW2kgAfPbtGKDXBH0PRpOcf2u4OSR-SYCNdmwhttWc-FtLxn7MmvayELhHost5BQpIpAg-PUwFce2cwuFlWYo0KpeYpddvSXOoNwM7vRzgHciu1bl5W5GF9R44UkV9t1sPPWY1yQk1Rpp5TJ0WUpllZ2Z50eK40WBTbkpL-C5UbfHmQ9RJSeeAtIAUxjpJFXPUksQD5djzYna0cF78rrIPN6Md~UzqOQVauqml0U2h98v14Mub6mlbMO6nYTMvasWFhXRskzqRsk90ggNLnLkjVBQr0KXQT5f2~Yk1vepG2kNtHIdqarasvi5qXUG2jXsB4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Antonio","date","2025-08-26T00:00:00Z","article","San Antonio Public Library Director Sukrit Goswami presented the library’s FY2026 proposed budget of about $58 million to the City Council budget work session on Aug. 26, highlighting investments in collections, technology, facility maintenance and community programming and explaining proposed staffing realignments.

Goswami said the proposed system budget includes $55.4 million from the General Fund and additional funding from library partners for a total system package of roughly $58 million. He told council the budget would invest about $7.3 million in books and other materials, $6.6 million in technology and $11.6 million in maintaining 30 library locations. The library proposed $1.2 million in capital project funding and a $710,000 technology replacement allocation to refresh devices across the system.

Why this matters: The San Antonio Public Library system is a high‑use, city service that provides free programs, digital access and civic space across neighborhoods. Budget choices affect collections, hours, maintenance of branch facilities and community programming that residents use daily.

Key points from the presentation

- Use and investment: The library forecasts nearly 2.6 million visits in 2026 and plans more than 12,000 programs. Goswami said circulation has grown from roughly 5.4 million checkouts in 2020 to about 10 million currently, and that investments are intended to keep wait times down and expand digital and physical collections.

- Capital and maintenance: Proposed capital outlays include HVAC upgrades (Collins Garden and Cody branches), a roof replacement at Forest Hill if funded, and deferred‑maintenance work at other sites. The budget includes $266,000 for furniture and equipment replacement at 22 locations.

- Staffing and efficiencies: The department intends to realign three areas and reduce eight positions in FY2026; staff said the realignment would not disrupt public services and that HR and city management will work to support affected employees.

- San Antonio Book Festival funding: The proposed budget reduces the library’s direct contribution to the San Antonio Book Festival to $100,000 (a cut from earlier years’ higher allocations). Assistant Director Dale McNeil and board representatives said the festival remains an important community event and that the Central Library would remain a venue; they urged council to consider the festival’s impact on school outreach and community engagement.

Board perspective and community anecdote

Jaspreet Kaur, chair of the Library Board of Trustees, told council a recently returned book that had been checked out in 1943 prompted international media attention and illustrated the public trust placed in libraries; she used the anecdote to emphasize why continued investment matters.

Council questions and service continuity

Council members asked for details about the library’s enhanced library card program, use of technology resources at partner organizations (for example, Haven for Hope), and timelines for capital projects. Staff said if funding is approved the Forest Hill roof replacement could be completed within a year; library leadership also described a phased educational campaign about capital and service changes if necessary.

Quotes

“San Antonio Public Library isn’t just about books. It’s about people,” Sukrit Goswami, library director, said in his opening remarks.

Ending

Library staff said the proposed budget aligns with the library’s five‑year strategic plan and seeks to preserve programs and access while identifying internal efficiencies; council members signaled interest in exploring partnerships and alternative funding for large community events such as the Book Festival.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Antonio - City Council Budget Work Session Aug 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Library Director Sukrit Goswami presented a $58 million FY2026 budget request focused on collections, technology and facilities; staff proposed reducing the library’s direct contribution to the annual San Antonio Book Festival and realigning positions to achieve savings without service disruption.","taxTitle","San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",2771,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506453,"Metro Health flags grant “fiscal cliff,” proposes fee changes under new state law",2070,1340000,3410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682268-ec15fbb2c245cb869f104de4544af469&start=1340&end=3410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682268-ec15fbb2c245cb869f104de4544af469/thumbnail_1340000.jpg","/articles/6506453/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Metro-Health-flags-grant-fiscal-cliff-proposes-fee-changes-under-new-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506453-07b0b0ff2fa0ae4d45b1e79651d15b4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435629&Signature=eeB5w9huU-FpcVv8vWg4DCWbXcbPi8EXbG9sNyqC6V~a0~1GWhdFnQvtR8c~gXr~TSLB0pSVCof6PtjtvIfOzal1yuY3muyHRgdwSnj6tN2tg8mgxzBLu7fFZxAtohlHqH5nbfMTxA2nppkPs~~RYN9QNfCTs2tFOcfAPvW6fv9Bh6ep3dDwfAvOPWpuxMblHTWFg-f6d9hE~1ymYUR7NTNKcRZqR3~U7A1I7mWNNL8yR-xJb6TOIqES0dGPiQwe9I5e6sf8wvdV69yn9vLPIGJLbxQDeJoEFQDUrEpPjHBmEFJqA0ogYh2xzPECtqs77i7Y7Tm2e-NMdKMjmRnRIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Claude Jacob, director of Metro Health, presented the department’s FY2026 budget overview and program priorities to the City Council budget work session on Aug. 26, describing both continued public‑health investments and fiscal vulnerabilities tied to shifting grant support.

Jacob said the department seeks approximately $79.2 million for FY2026 with an authorized staffing complement of about 593 positions; the city’s General Fund contribution was presented at roughly $46.5 million with nearly $33 million in grant support. He noted that grants now support a substantial share of department operations and warned that the impending end of Medicaid 1115 waiver reserves in September 2026 — roughly $7.8 million in support this year — creates a “fiscal cliff” that will affect programs and more than 80 grant‑supported staff.

Why this matters: Metro Health runs regional clinical and public‑health services — immunizations, WIC clinics, food‑safety inspections, the Metro Health laboratory, violence prevention and school‑based mental‑health contracts — that are in part grant‑funded. Reductions in grant support could disrupt ongoing programs and require council choices about what the city should underwrite with the General Fund.

Key program highlights and CBR findings

- Accreditation and organizational changes: Jacob reminded council that Metro Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and described recent organizational expansions (the Center for Policy and Health Improvement, epi‑analytics and a chief mental health officer) created or grown during the pandemic.

- Core service goals: For FY2026, staff said Metro Health expects to complete at least 22,000 case investigations within 30 days, administer about 10,000 vaccines, and conduct roughly 120,000 lab tests. The Metro Health laboratory serves as a regional lab across a 29‑county area and performs rabies and other specialized testing, Jacob said.

- Violence prevention and mental health: The department’s Stand Up SA community violence intervention program was described as the longest‑running such program in Texas; Metro Health cited expected community encounters in which staff will link people to services and support. Jacob said Metro Health manages two school‑based mental‑health contracts that serve a minimum of 250 students and that the department is coordinating a countywide school safety and mental‑health summit this fall.

- Comprehensive budget review (CBR): Metro Health staff said the CBR identified roughly $4.4 million in proposed reductions and a net reduction of 22 general‑fund supported positions. Specific changes discussed included reducing staff tied to a paid‑sick‑leave enforcement function (4 positions), eliminating the city component of an “unlock” reentry case‑management program (4 positions) in favor of community providers, and moving some youth‑services positions to Human Services (Project WERF). Staff said affected employees would be offered placements elsewhere in the city where possible.

Food‑establishment fee changes to comply with SB1008

Jacob told council that, in response to Senate Bill 1008 (89th Texas Legislature), Metro Health completed a review of its food‑establishment fee schedule and proposes revisions that align local fees with state limits. Staff said the proposed ordinance would be presented to council and, if approved, would take effect Dec. 1. Key proposed changes outlined in slides include a shift from employee‑count tiers to gross food‑sales brackets for some permit fees, a standardized $150 reinspection fee, a $150 one‑time change‑of‑ownership fee (replacing a $52 clip fee), and a $52 per‑booth fee for single‑event temporary food permits. Metro Health said it will run an education campaign for businesses if the ordinance is adopted.

Council questions and staff follow up

Council members asked for further district‑level detail (for example, which neighborhoods rely most heavily on immunization, domestic‑violence and asthma programs) and for written analyses of how the department would allocate additional funding (one council member asked hypothetically how Metro Health would use a 20% budget increase). Staff agreed to provide memos with requested breakdowns and to return to the Community Health Committee for additional briefings.

Quotes

“We remain deeply committed to minimizing disruption in services to area residents,” Dr. Claude Jacob said, noting the department’s intention to preserve core programs while addressing fiscal pressures.

Ending

Jacob said Metro Health will continue monitoring grant awards and federal/state guidance and will work with council to identify priorities as grant support declines; staff will return with additional data requested by council, including district‑level service breakdowns and impact analyses related to the Medicaid waiver timing.","Metro Health Director Dr. Claude Jacob told council that while Metro Health remains nationally accredited and continues core services, FY2026 faces a risk from waning grant support — notably Medicaid 1115 waiver funds that expire in September 2026 — and presented proposed food‑establishment fee changes to comply with Texas Senate Bill 1008.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6506458,"San Antonio staff outline FY2026 human services budget, recommend short-term delegate‑agency awards",1216,84000,1300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5682268-ec15fbb2c245cb869f104de4544af469&start=84&end=1300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5682268-ec15fbb2c245cb869f104de4544af469/thumbnail_84000.jpg","/articles/6506458/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/San-Antonio-staff-outline-FY2026-human-services-budget-recommend-short-term-delegateagency-awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6506458-870ea7ba6855f095a69177e2d42a1fed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770435629&Signature=KES7~kP4xPMu9fZlSazfb2Wfb6Lfi8Hl2pEQcA9JrZmEtmiGCq2ATGgpyajor8GT4327KQTBNV5VhJ8BiFE-rQmIl36yIb7wytdVk2B0sapQB~AJzYrvc7AGmqCLAR-uGgr~plKBz0HbR8Sq560tQkdQt3jDgMwa2Hc8r9POUhepo~uXDJ87OwUA6q8KrO8lnd~XBqjzHwNxxd0U9o8jQroH2ObFVUe89p~jN-fQYccqDFg-gY5xuMi1o4oBZcsqgNmDDqj6i1YkFZ38EwDjNgzOFbKMk2Pcw0~jWbqNEqMqgNjwxJyyA88gGglGzCM4Kdn2MCSBhKsfwjVr-ns-jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Antonio Human Services Department Director Melody Woosley on Aug. 26 presented the department’s proposed priorities and funding approach for fiscal year 2026 at a City Council budget work session, including recommendations for delegate‑agency contracts and program realignments.

Woosley told the council that department programs serve vulnerable residents across a range of needs — Head Start, youth success programs, senior centers and emergency utility assistance — and emphasized the department’s aim to “work upstream” to prevent homelessness and other harms. She said the department’s children’s services are primarily supported by federal grants, while older‑adult and operational services rely mostly on the General Fund.

The presentation described a proposed FY2026 Human Services budget of roughly $94.8 million, split roughly between a General Fund contribution of about $42.4 million and approximately $52.4 million in federal/state grants. Staff said Head Start and Early Head Start serve about 3,330 children and the department’s programs reach nearly 50,000 individuals and families annually. The recommended delegate‑agency pool shown to council totaled about $24.38 million, and staff proposed holding $4.5 million in reserve for the next competitive funding cycle beginning June 1, 2026.

Why this matters: Human Services funding supports direct services used by low‑income families, older adults and youth. Changes to how delegate agencies are funded and to which city programs are managed affect partner nonprofits and service continuity for residents who depend on those programs.

What staff recommended and why

- Delegate‑agency treatment: staff proposed executing 12‑month designated funding agreements with eight agencies that provide core services supporting city programs, and issuing eight‑month contract extensions for 40 competitively funded agencies so funding continues while a retooled RFP and policy process is developed. The extensions would bridge agencies until the new competitive cycle begins; contract renewals for years two through four would be contingent on funding availability and performance.

- Consolidated funding process changes: staff said they will separate designated and competitive funding streams, publish a “soup‑to‑nuts” policy document for applicants, standardize and reduce performance metrics, expand engagement with stakeholders and explore outsourcing discretionary funding to a local funder.

- Program transfers and transitions: staff proposed transferring the Child Care Services Grant program to Workforce Solutions Alamo effective Oct. 1 to avoid service disruption for providers and families. They also proposed transitioning Project WERF (a youth program) from Metro Health to Human Services to consolidate youth services.

- Efficiency and right‑sizing recommendations: the comprehensive budget review (CBR) recommended roughly $683,000 in FY2026 efficiencies and identified additional FY2027 opportunities. Proposed steps include adjusting line‑item budgets to reflect actual spending, eliminating duplicative contracts, and consolidating low‑attendance part‑time nutrition sites (staff said about 206 participants across four part‑time sites would be moved to comprehensive senior centers).

What council members asked and next steps

Council members asked staff to provide more district‑level data on who is served (for example, seniors and youth by council district), and to clarify how proposed changes would affect the most vulnerable residents. Mayor Jones asked for greater “fidelity” in the data so the council can overlay need by district when evaluating reductions.

Woosley said staff will return after budget adoption with additional policy direction in October and community engagement sessions in November to inform the next competitive cycle. She reiterated that the proposed short‑term contract extensions are intended to preserve services while the city implements a redesigned delegate‑agency process.

Quotes

“Our goal for this coming year is to help participants reduce at least $1,400,000 in debt,” Melody Woosley, Human Services Department director, said during the presentation.

“I find it a little bit difficult to understand the true nature of some of the cuts … without a greater level of fidelity,” Mayor Jones said as he urged staff to show impacts by council district.

Ending

Staff emphasized that recommended changes are intended to limit service disruption while the city reforms the delegate‑agency process and prepares a competitive RFP cycle; council members asked for more granular data before making final budget decisions.","Human Services Department staff presented a proposed FY2026 spending plan focused on children, seniors and youth, recommended 12‑month designated awards for eight agencies and eight‑month extensions for 40 agencies, and described efficiency targets and program transfers to limit service disruption.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

San Antonio Public Library requests $58 million for FY2026; proposed cut to Book Festival support draws attention

Metro Health flags grant “fiscal cliff,” proposes fee changes under new state law

San Antonio staff outline FY2026 human services budget, recommend short-term delegate‑agency awards