City Council Proposes No Property Tax Increase for Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

The San Antonio City Council convened on September 3, 2025, for the first public hearing regarding the proposed budget and ad valorem tax rate for fiscal year 2026. The meeting focused on the city's property tax rate, budget allocations, and adjustments to fees.

City officials announced that there will be no increase in the property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, maintaining the rate at 54.159 cents per $100 of property valuation. This marks the 33rd consecutive year without a tax rate increase. The certified tax roll from the Bexar Appraisal District indicated a slight decrease in the city's base value by approximately 0.9%, while new property values showed a modest growth of about 1.76%. The proposed budget includes approximately $152 million in property tax relief, which encompasses exemptions for homesteads, seniors, disabled persons, and childcare providers, along with a tax freeze for certain individuals.

Additionally, the budget outlines several adjustments to fees, particularly for food establishments. In compliance with new state legislation, food establishment fees will now be based on gross sales volume rather than the number of employees, aimed at partially recovering the costs associated with food safety and inspection services.

This meeting was the first of two public hearings, with the next scheduled for September 11, prior to the budget's adoption on September 18. During the public comment segment, two individuals expressed their views on the budget and tax rate. One speaker, Jack Finger, raised concerns about the perceived increase in tax burdens despite the city’s claims of maintaining the same tax rate.

The council's discussions and the feedback from the public underscore the ongoing dialogue regarding fiscal responsibility and community needs as San Antonio prepares for the upcoming fiscal year.