San Antonio adopts FY2026 budget with employee pay increase and targeted restorations after lengthy debate

The San Antonio City Council adopted the fiscal 2026 budget on Sept. 18, approving ordinances that set the city dvalorem tax rates, modify fees and transfer prior-year funds, and accepting a package of amendments the administration proposed after council deliberations.

Council action followed hours of public comment on taxes and city services and extended debate among councilmembers over staffing, public safety and fee increases. City Administrator Eric Walsh briefed the council on a set of 15 amendments the administration attached to the proposed budget that Walsh said total about $12 million over two years and draw on a mix of fee increases, restricted funds and targeted reductions.

Walsh told the council the amendment package is financed in part by a 50-cent monthly increase to a park/environment fee and higher food-establishment and vacant-building registration fees that he said are expected to generate roughly $9.9 million for fiscal 2026 and 2027. The package also includes a proposal for a one-time $750 payment for city employees earning less than $100,000 and an adjustment the administration described as a 4% salary change.

Councilmembers debated several items inside the amendment package. The adopted changes restore funding for capital and operating items the administration had proposed cutting, including $3 million one-time for additional street lighting and nearly $122…