SAN ANTONIO – City Council will hold a special session Monday to decide whether voters should be sent back to the polls in November over the city’s proposed contribution to a new Spurs arena and a downtown development plan.

The proposal involves a $489 million city contribution. Monday’s action is not a vote to spend $489 million on the arena and is not final approval of the arena deal. Instead, council members are set to vote on whether to put the city’s arena contribution before voters in November.

The idea of holding another election has become controversial. The mayor has pushed for a new vote, saying San Antonio residents should get to vote, while opponents argue the community already voted last November.

The city’s $489 million contribution would come partly from a project finance zone the city modified in 2025. The funding includes sales tax money that would normally go to the state, but that the city can instead use on venues, including the new Spurs arena. It also includes lease revenue generated by the arena once it is built.

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District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee Rodriguez said he supports the mayor’s idea to let people vote again. He argued the arena could have broader financial consequences for the city, including its ability to pay for neighborhood projects.

Councilman Marc Whyte opposes calling a new election, saying it would be wasteful and cost too much at a time when the city is trying to reduce spending.

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Monday’s special City Council session is set for 9 a.m. downtown.