Freddy Martinez, assistant budget director, told the Governance Committee on Nov. 7 that staff has drafted a taxpayer impact statement intended for publication on the city website and inclusion in the proposed and adopted budget documents. "This is what a typical resident or taxpayer would pay," Martinez said, adding that the illustration is not exhaustive and individual bills will vary.

The draft compares the adopted property tax rate (unchanged at 54.15¢) and selected fees—solid waste, environmental, parks environmental and stormwater—between fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Martinez said the median taxable household value rose slightly and that the sample combined effect in the draft produced an illustrative increase of about $23.27, or roughly 1.7 percent, for a typical household. The draft also includes information on homestead exemptions and a link to the Bexar Appraisal District.

Councilman Mark White (District 10), sponsor of the council consideration request, said the measure is intended to increase transparency and recommended publishing the statement in local newspapers ahead of final budget adoption so residents see proposed changes in advance. "Transparency in what we do down here at city hall," White said.

Committee members debated the statement's scope and tone. Councilman Francisco Munguia said averages in the draft risk being misleading and suggested the packet should include the tax rate, how past rate reductions affect revenue (foregone revenue), and that utility-based fees do not apply to all residents. Mayor Jones supported publishing the statement but urged inclusion of brief explanations of what increased revenues would fund so residents understand public-safety and public-health links.

Staff recommended a council resolution to adopt the statement for annual publication, led by the Office of Management and Budget, and offered options for further review: a 90-day legal/departmental review and return, referral to a committee, referral to the manager's office for goal-setting, or removal from consideration. After discussion, members voted to send the CCR to a B session to refine content and legal parameters.

The committee took no final budget action; staff said the statement could be published between proposed and adopted budgets if the council directs.