San Antonio City Council approved its $3.4 billion budget for 2023 after weeks of community input and budget workshops. Along with the budget, council members also approved the $50 million CPS Energy rebate and bill relief plan despite a failed attempt to delay the program for more conversations. 

Bravo, along with other council members like Teri Castillo and Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, called for the city to use funds from CPS Energy's $75 million windfall to weatherize low-income homes and plant trees. 

Council pays it back

The plan for rebates and payment assistance comes from the surplus CPS Energy revenue of $75 million. Here's where that money goes: 

• The city will use $42.5 million as credit on CPS Energy's residential and commercial customers' bills. 
• That is a credit of about $30 on an average residential bill. 
• Another $7.5 million will go toward the Residential Energy Assistance fund. 
• The remaining $25 million will got toward future projects. 
• Council members argued that the $30 was not a meaningful impact on customers' bills.
• Mayor Ron Nirenberg has remained a staunch supporter of the rebate plan. 
• The credits could be seen on November bills.

Budget by the numbers

Here's a quick look at what was in the budget:

• There $6.9 million in amendments made to the budget. 
• Five council offices added an additional full-time position at a little over $800,000 in wages over two years. 
• Adjustment to base pay for city employees, bringing in cell phone and parking stipends to bring base pay to $17.50. 
• Two inspection officers will now be used to do proactive apartment inspections. 
• The budget also adds $800,000 over the next two years to CASA for a building renovation program.
• Council members redirected $150,000 from economic development for small business noise mitigation grants. 
• Public safety, which includes police and fire, is budgeted at $904.8 million in general funds. 
• Public works has $116.5 million.
• Parks received $61.7 million.