Staff to return with district impacts, position lists, developer‑fee analysis and a potential $1.3M river barge fee

At the end of the work session staff summarized the follow‑up items they would provide before the next budget actions.

Council asked for a district breakdown of tax impacts, communication templates that show resident impacts by home‑value ranges, a filled‑vs‑vacant list of the 171 positions cited in Scenario A and a return on investment analysis for delegate agencies and outside contracts. Staff said they would add member suggestions to an amendment list and provide updates later in the week.

When asked about revenue options, staff said they are examining developer fee opportunities and noted one near‑term option: raising the non‑San Antonio river barge fee. City staff estimated that increasing the non‑resident barge fee could yield about $1.3 million to the city if pursued and added as an amendment to the budget ordinance.

Council members also asked staff to evaluate alternatives to a straight 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees, such as a 2% raise plus a one‑time lump sum. Staff agreed to run the numbers and return to council with specific analyses.

The meeting adjourned with no vote; staff said they would return with the requested analyses and with historical comparisons showing how peer Texas cities have treated property tax rate decisions.