The city eyes budget adjustments, including a 2% raise for workers and funds for more patrol officers.
The city has provided 11 townhall meetings and two public hearings to get feedback before getting to this point.
Potential amendments could include a 2% raise for city workers, which would add up to be $3.4 million. The city also discussed the need for additional police officers in Tuesday’s meeting. The general fund potential amendment would provide $2.1 million to increase the number of new patrol officers from 25 to 65. In 2027, $5.9 million would go to that as well.
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones did comment, wanting to be mindful on if the change happens early how it would it increase over time.
Councilman Marc Whyte says without a doubt we need more officers.
“We’ve been saying we’re going to add these officers because our law enforcement has told us that we will be a safer community when we get these additional officers on the street,” said Whyte.
“Yes, the plan is 65,” said Assistant City Manager Maria Van Gomes. “New officers to get funded this year. 65 the next year and 65 the year after that. That’s what we promised the citizens of San Antonio.”
Another potential amendment includes restoring $1 million for 60 new radar feedback traffic signs and 70 flashing stop signs.
The city says it wants to keep the budget balanced for 2027, keeping in mind the uncertainty in federal and state funding and rising costs beating slow revenue.
Those potential amendments are still under discussion.
The council and mayor will pick up the conversation again Wednesday afternoon.