San Antonio Council interviews candidates for water-system trust; focus on leaks, infrastructure and conservation

San Antonio Mayor Gene Ortiz Jones and the City Council on Sept. 4 interviewed a slate of candidates to fill four vacancies on the trust that advises the city—s water utility, a process in which applicants emphasized reducing water loss, modernizing aging infrastructure and expanding conservation outreach.

The interviews came after City Secretary Debbie Brocka Sitter said the city received 30 applications and an ad hoc screening committee made up of Mayor Gene Ortiz Jones, Councilmember Villagrán and Councilmember Galván narrowed the pool to seven candidates for interviews. The council said it intends to vote to fill four seats; appointees would receive letters of welcome and take their posts on or about Sept. 10, according to the city secretary—s presentation.

Why it matters: The trust helps guide decisions about a utility that the council and candidates described as central to San Antonio—s growth, public health and economic competitiveness. Multiple applicants told the council that large, ongoing water losses and aging treatment and delivery systems make near-term capital investment and better coordination with city departments urgent.

What happened: The city secretary opened the item and summarized the application process, deadlines and term rules (four-year terms; no more than two terms). Two members of the public spoke before interviews, raising concerns about local development near protected aquifer areas and about the potential for future rate increases.

Council and candidate discussion centered on three consistent themes: - Water loss and infrastructure: Several candidates cited the utility—s reported lost water volume (discussed during interviews in the meeting) and urged investments in leak detection technology, replacement of aging mains, and prioritization of capital projects that address high-loss areas. Candidates described system modernization and proactive capital spending as primary levers to reduce lost water and long-term costs. - Conservation and customer outreach: Applicants said trustees should support broader education and targeted outreach to vulnerable customers. They described outreach through neighborhood associations, schools and technology tools to help customers identify leaks and conserve water. - Coordination and accountability: Candidates urged improved coordination between the water utility and city departments on construction planning, permitting and project scheduling so work on streets and utilities is aligned and delays are reduced.

Applicants and statements: Candidates who addressed the council included Jeff Burgos (applicant), Jeremy Roberts (applicant), Rayo Garza (applicant), Leid Morales (applicant), Teresa Rodredguez Cippeansquillos (applicant), Dr. Adriana Rocha Garceda (applicant) and others. Jeremy Roberts told the council, "My goal is that every decision I make reflects that there is an interconnected, interdependent and accountable system to deliver affordable water to all of San Antonio." Several other applicants described experience in infrastructure, finance, conservation programs and community outreach.

Public comment and concerns: Two speakers during public comment flagged issues for the council. Elginio Rodredguez, who identified himself as an engineer, raised concerns about development near Edwards Aquifer recharge areas and potential property-value impacts. Jack M. Finger told the council he was concerned the trust would soon consider a rate increase for 2026 and asked for more transparency about selection criteria for trustee candidates.

Votes and next steps: Before the interviews, the council approved the consent agenda (items 5—36) by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded on the meeting record. Later the council recessed into an executive session citing Texas Government Code Sec. 551.071 to consult with legal counsel; the council did not take action during the closed session and returned to open session later the same morning.

Context and background: City Secretary Brocka Sitter told the council that SOS (the municipal water system trust referenced in the presentation) was created by the City Council in April 1992 and that the office received 30 applications before the August 13 deadline. The secretary said two quadrant openings would be filled from the northwest, northeast and southwest quadrants per the trust—s geographic appointment practice. Candidates repeatedly referenced the utility—s published plans, including modernization projects and conservation programs.

What remains unresolved: The council completed interviews but did not announce final appointments during the Sept. 4 meeting. The council scheduled a forthcoming vote to confirm four members; the record indicates appointments and onboarding materials will be delivered to appointees ahead of their start date.

Meeting note: The council recessed for an executive session under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.071; the minutes state no action was taken in closed session and the meeting resumed in open session later that morning.