Sharp divisions on San Antonio City Council came into focus at a Wednesday work session as Council prepares to vote today on the city's proposed $2.7 billion 2018 budget, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The City budget, unlike one approved by County Commissioners earlier this week, includes no tax rate reduction, which means home and business owners will face higher tax bills due to the increase in property valuations.
Two north side Council members, Clayton Perry and Greg Brockhouse, unsuccessfully requested that the vote on the budget, which takes effect October 1, be delayed a week so potential cuts could be identified to enable the budget to include a tax rate reduction.
Brockhouse said there are things that taxpayers are being asked to pay for which are ouside of most people's definition of what the basic functions of city government should be.
"Are there things in this budget that are outside the core basics of a city government? Yes," Brockhouse said. "Do they ride up against the fence where they are almost as important as police and fire? Sure, but they're not. They are not as important as streets and sidewalks, they are not as important as the basics that our citizens are receiving."
But when Brockhouse asked City Manager Sheryl Sculley how much the average homeowner would save if the tax rate were reduced by one half cent per hundred dollar valuation and he was told 'eight dollars a month,' the real fireworks started.
"The disdain for the amount of money that we would give back to a homeowner?" Brockhouse asked Sculley. "There is almost disdain, like 'oh, it's only eight bucks'. Really? It's embarrassing."
The budget is expected to be approved today, without any tax rate decreases included.
Council did agree on other last minute amendments to the budget, thanks to higher CPS Energy revenues due to the hot summer. Among the proposals is additional money to increase Council office staffs, and to provide for increased housing renovation in several districts.
In addition, the Council is expected to approve an increase in the storm water fee by about 30 cents a month.