San Antonio council weighs $4 billion 2026 budget amendments amid $157 million shortfall; police staffing and agency funding draw sharp debate

San Antonio city staff presented potential amendments to the proposed 2026 budget at a Sept. 17 work session, outlining restorations and one-time additions while warning of a multi-year shortfall. The presentation, from Justina Chey, the citys budget director, and follow-up discussion by councilmembers, centered on employee pay, police staffing, agency delegations, capital allocations and several targeted program restorations.

The budget director said the proposed budget is approximately $4 billion and that the city faces a two-year structural shortfall of nearly $157,000,000. The city staff framed the amendments as attempts to balance priorities with limited new revenue and to protect essential and mandatory services. Chey told the council the package of potential restorations and additions was compiled from previous council feedback and district requests.

Why it matters: Council choices this fall will determine whether recurring services are sustained and how the city addresses public safety, housing repair programs and community partner contracts while navigating uncertain federal funding that affects Metro Health and other programs.

Key proposals and funding details

- Employee compensation: The amendment list includes a proposed across-the-board employee pay increase described by staff as a 2% adjustment to base pay. Staff characterized this as a policy priority to help retain municipal employees.

- Police staffing: The proposed 2026 budget currently includes funding to add 25 new officers. Multiple councilmembers pushed to restore funding so the city reaches 65 new officers as previously discussed (an additional 40 officers beyond the budgeted 25). Council discussion focused on the cost trajectory of adding…