San Antonio Council Adopts FY2027 Budget, Approves Property Tax Increase

The San Antonio City Council voted on Sept. 17 to adopt the city’s consolidated FY2027 operating and capital budget and to set property tax rates that will produce additional revenue for city services.

The council approved the ordinance ratifying the FY2027 budget and subsequently voted to set the maintenance-and-operations tax rate at 35.138 cents per $100 of assessed value and a debt-service rate of 21.150 cents per $100. The roll-call voice vote on the maintenance-and-operations rate was recorded as 7 yes, 4 no.

Mayor Ortiz Jones called the meeting to order and presided over the vote after an extended public comment period and several failed amendments meant to reduce the increase or reallocate funds. Councilmembers who supported the budget said it balanced the city’s fiscal responsibilities while protecting essential services. Councilmembers in opposition argued the proposal would place an undue burden on residents facing rising costs.

Supporters emphasized that staff and the administration restored targeted programs in late-night amendments, including scholarship funding, maternal and public-health positions, and district capital projects. “These amendments restore funding for nutrition centers, scholarships and maternal health positions that will serve residents across districts,” a budget presenter told the council during the staff briefing.

Opponents cited the scale of fee and tax increases and urged further across-the-board departmental reductions. During public comment, residents described the potential impact on retirees, working families and small businesses.

The ordinance adopting the budget also authorized the city manager to make technical adjustments and assign funds as required to implement the budget. The council completed votes on related ordinances for fee adjustments and fund transfers before adjourning at about 1 p.m.