San Marcos council narrows tax‑rate scenarios, asks staff for costed priorities

San Marcos City Council on Tuesday directed staff to develop budget scenarios that fall between a structurally balanced tax rate of 63.41¢ and a no‑new‑revenue rate of 64.47¢ and return to council with prioritized, costed options in about five weeks.

Councilmembers spent much of the work session focusing on how to reach residents — particularly on the East Side — who have been historically harder to engage. Several members said current outreach materials and the so‑called “dream sessions” have been confusing to residents and urged clearer, one‑page talking points and more in‑person work such as door‑to‑door outreach and town halls. “My constituents look at things like this and say, like, wait, what do you mean your city leadership is not prioritizing or considering these community facing programs?” Councilmember…