San Antonio approves FY 2027 budget and two-cent M&O rate increase

San Antonio City Council approved the city’s FY 2027 budget and adopted a Maintenance and Operations property tax rate of 35.138 cents per $100 of taxable value, described as a two-cent increase.

The budget maintains investments in police and fire services, adds 49 police officer positions, increases infrastructure maintenance and strengthens the city’s response to homelessness.

The budget process included feedback from District 8 residents, who identified police and fire services, safe streets and infrastructure, library support, homelessness and housing as priorities. Residents also raised concerns about rising costs and the effect of a higher property tax rate on household budgets.

During deliberations, a proposal was made to reduce the Maintenance and Operations rate by one cent as a compromise intended to provide additional revenue for essential services while limiting the impact on taxpayers. The final rate adopted by the council was higher than that proposal.

The statement supporting the final rate said the decision reflected a balance between funding services residents have requested and limiting the effect on taxpayers. The FY 2027 budget also includes reductions in other areas while preserving services considered essential to the community.

City Manager Erik Walsh, city staff and residents were thanked for their work and participation during the budget process. Residents contributed through town halls, surveys, calls to city offices and written comments.