San Antonio City Council today approved a $2.7 billion 2018 budget that prioritizes 'equity' by boosting funding in traditionally underserved parts of the City, and increases revenue for functions more likely to be used by low income residents, like VIA Metro Transit, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Southeast side Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran says its' about time.
"This budget here puts a down payment on generations of disparities and inequities that have piled and piled up on each other for so long that we have no choice but to stare the problem in the face."
This is the first budget to examine City spending through what is called an 'equity lens,' to make up for historic inadequacies and make sure the quality of life is improved in all neighborhoods.
Viagran says it is time for the City and its units begin to understand that all the people must be served.
"We deserve a school district that has the resources to provide a world class education to all students, regardless or race, income, or immigration status."
The budget will add 42 new police officers and 43 new firefighters and paramedics, and will also boost money for street maintenance from $64 million to $99 million, both priorities that were spelled out by citizens during several public meetings on during the two month long budgeting process.
But northeast side Councilman Clayton Perry says there needs to be another priority--reducing the increase in property tax bills caused by skyrocketing property values.
"We have to talk about this, and get it out there and see what we can do for the neighbors out there, who are hurting out there, just to pay for their taxes year in and year out," Perry said.
Perry suggested either a city homestead exemption which would allow homeowners to exempt a portion of their property value from taxes, or a tax rate cut.
City Manager Sheryl Sculley said this is the '25th consecutive year that the city's tax rate has not increased,' but the taxes homeowners pay will increase due to their higher appraisals.
Northwest side Councilman Greg Brockhouse, who even suggested 'taking another look' at the City's sales tax funded PreK4SA program, lamented that his proposals to reduce spending and taxes are not being taken seriously.
"Far too often in our first couple of months together, someone disagrees, and somebody attempts to corner them as an antagonist, or demean their opinion by saying they 'care less than somebody else' or they are a 'Washington style politician' all because they are standing up for the citizens across this community."