Residents Urge San Antonio Council to Reject Property Tax Hike

Dozens of residents and business representatives told the City Council on Sept. 17 that a proposed property tax increase and multiple fee hikes would harm households and local firms.

Speakers described a range of concerns: retirees on fixed incomes, families that rely on city scholarships and after-school programs, and small businesses (especially auto‑recyclers) that said a proposed licensing-fee increase could approach 400 percent for some operators.

"Por favor, consideren que el futuro de San Antonio está ahorita en nuestras aulas," said Zachary Carrasco, a mentor and high‑school program manager representing students who rely on city-funded programs. "Esto le ayudará a estos 2900 alumnos que ya cumplieron con todos los requisitos de las becas." (SEG 635–638.)

Members of Americans for Prosperity and other advocacy groups urged the council to find internal cuts rather than immediately raising property taxes. Jack Finger, representing Americans for Prosperity, told the council: "Van a patear a los contribuyentes mientras están allá caídos." (SEG 1143–1146.)

Business owners asked for clearer data and a phased approach to fee changes. Carl Schneider, who operates recycling facilities, said a sudden 400% license fee increase would threaten jobs and operations and asked the council to consider proportional, multi‑year increases.

Councilmembers heard the comments before debating budget amendments and ultimately approving the budget and tax rates. The adopted ordinances authorize staff to implement certain fee changes and transfers; the transcript and votes do not record a repeal of the fee adjustments discussed during public comment.