A Balanced Budget That Prioritizes the Commitment to City Services

Published on September 17, 2026

“Today, I voted to approve San Antonio’s FY 2027 Budget and the property tax rate necessary to support it. These were consequential votes, and neither of them was taken lightly.

“Throughout this budget process, we heard from District 8 residents who were clear about what they expect from their City: strong police and fire services, safe streets and infrastructure, support for our libraries, meaningful action on homelessness and housing, and a City government capable of delivering the services our community relies on every day.

“Taxpayers were clearly concerned about rising costs and what a tax rate increase could mean for their household budgets. As a homeowner with a young family and a taxpayer, it is understandable that every additional expense matters.

“That is why, during our deliberations, I proposed and worked to reach consensus on a one-cent decrease in the Maintenance and Operations rate, believing that represented a responsible middle ground and would provide additional revenue to protect essential services while limiting the impact on taxpayers.

“Ultimately, Council took a different path and adopted an M&O rate of 35.138 cents, or a two-cent increase per $100 of taxable value. I voted in support of the final rate after weighing the consequences of failing to adequately fund the budget and the services our residents have repeatedly asked us to protect.

“The FY 2027 Budget maintains critical investments in police and fire, adds 49 police officer positions, increases infrastructure maintenance, and strengthens our response to homelessness. It also makes difficult reductions in other areas while preserving the integrity of the services residents depend on.

“Thank you to City Manager Erik Walsh, his team, and our City staff for the months of work behind this budget. Most importantly, thank you to the residents who attended town halls, completed surveys, called our offices, submitted comments, and made their voices heard. Those conversations mattered throughout this process.”