SAN ANTONIO — It’s that time of year again where hundreds of cities and counties are wrestling with huge budget gaps and plans to hike property taxes, including San Antonio.
The proposed property tax increase that the San Antonio City Council is considering would be an additional $2.95 a month.
But that’s not what’s grabbing the attention of homeowners. It’s the fact that the proposed property tax increase hasn’t happened since the 1990s.
This comes after the city budget plans were announced in early August.
“I’m against the property tax increase. I think the city really needs to tighten their belt a little more. We do that as homeowners. I think they need to do the same,” Bianca Maldonado said.
Maldonado was just one of nearly 200 people at a town hall meeting in San Antonio last week; multiple meetings like it are happening across the city.
Maldonado attended the meeting to stay informed on what’s going on with the city’s budget plans — plans that involve closing the $158 million budget deficit over the next two years.
“You know, if you’re going to have an increase property taxes, what is the increase in service you’re going to get from the city? We’re not really there yet. We’re looking at cuts, and cuts means less service. So how can they be smarter with the dollar they get every day?” asked Maldonado.
Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito is opposed to hiking up property taxes. She held the town hall meeting to answer questions that Maldonado and others have.
“In short, I would say…the city has a spending problem. We’re spending a lot more than we’re taking in,” said Alderete Gavito.
Alderete Gavito thinks there are other options that can be considered before passing the cost on to San Antonio residents, especially since a property tax increase hasn’t been on the table as an option in the Alamo City in over three decades.
“People are feeling the squeeze at grocery stores. People are feeling the squeeze at gas stations. All of these additions really add up for residents. I know it’s $2.95 a month, but that equates to $70 a year,” said Alderete Gavito.
The city has projected a $158 million deficit in fiscal year 2028, as expected expenses outpace revenue.
Maldonado said although the total increase would be minimal per property owner, it all adds up when factoring in other potential increases with other city entities, like the city-owned water provider, San Antonio Water System (SAWS), and power provider CPS Energy.
“We know there’s a rate increase coming for SAWS, potentially. There may be a rate increase coming for CPS behind that. Our garbage fee is going up, and we know things aren’t cheap when we go to the grocery store,” said Maldonado.
Alderete Gavito’s goal is to go back to the drawing board and find a reasonable option.
“I want to work with city staff to figure out how we can make this budget the best it can be without a property tax increase,” said the councilwoman.
City Council will vote on the tax rate and overall budget on Sept. 17.