San Antonio Holds Public Hearing on Fiscal 2026 Budget and Tax Rate Proposals

San Antonio's City Council held a crucial public hearing on September 3, 2025, to discuss the proposed ad valorem tax rate and budget for fiscal year 2026. The meeting, attended by all council members, aimed to gather community feedback on the city's financial plans.

City Budget Director Cristina Tell presented the proposed budget, which totals approximately $4 billion, reflecting a 2.2% increase from the previous fiscal year. The budget includes a general fund of $1.69 billion, a capital budget of $1.1 billion, and a registered budget of $1.2 billion. Notably, the proposed property tax rate remains unchanged at 54.15 cents per $100 valuation, marking the 33rd consecutive year without an increase in this rate.

Tell highlighted that the budget allocates over $152 million for property tax relief, benefiting various groups, including seniors and low-income residents. This relief is part of the city's ongoing efforts to support its residents amid rising property values, which have seen a slight increase of 1.9% this year.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents voiced their opinions on the budget and tax rate. Some expressed concerns about the rising costs of living and urged the council to consider reducing the tax burden. Others suggested reallocating funds from certain departments to address budget deficits and enhance community services.

The council plans to hold another public hearing on September 11, 2025, before finalizing the budget and tax rate on September 18. This ongoing dialogue reflects the city's commitment to transparency and community involvement in financial decision-making, ensuring that residents' voices are heard as San Antonio navigates its fiscal future.