San Antonio Police Department cadets honor 62 officers who have been killed in the line of duty during a Memorial Service at the San Antonio Police Training Academy on Friday, May 26, 2023.
Carlos Javier Sanchez/Contributor
San Antonio Express-News
Molly Smith, Staff writer
City Council members on Thursday largely applauded the proposed $3.7 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year — especially its sharp funding increase for Animal Care Services, which has weathered criticism following brutal dog attacks earlier this year.
"A lot of the needs I've been hearing from my community are reflected in this budget," said District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo.
Thursday's City Council meeting was the first time council members learned the scope and size of the new budget, the largest in city history. The council is set to vote on the budget in mid-September.
ACS would see a 26 percent bump, from $21.4 to $26.9 million. The new funding would allow the department to hire more animal-control officers to respond to calls about loose animals, as well as nearly double the number of low-cost spay and neuter surgeries the department offers.
"I truly believe that the solution to our animal care issues lies with spay and neuter, but also with community education," said District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda.
However, it wasn't all cheering. The inclusion of $1.1 million for an outdoor fitness facility for police caught a handful of members off guard.
"I just want to be for real that patrols are not stopping the shootings, they aren't stopping the murders, they aren't reducing instances of domestic violence or sexual assault. They aren't reducing the number of weapons on the streets," said District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez. "Patrols aren’t reducing crime, and a cute little outdoor fitness center does none of the above."
The San Antonio Police Department is set to hire 100 additional patrol officers next year, and McKee-Rodriguez opposes the plan — which puts him in the minority of his colleagues.
Social services and crime intervention and prevention programs also strengthen public safety, he said, adding: "To leave that part out of our public safety plan is short-sighted and irresponsible."
Instead of building a fitness facility, McKee-Rodriguez and Castillo want the city to partner with area universities so police could use their gyms. McKee-Rodriguez also said the city could include the fitness facility in a future bond program so voters could decide whether it’s something they want to fund.
The councilman’s comments appeared largely directed at District 8 Councilman Manny Peláez. The North Side councilman lauded the police funding allocations in the budget proposal.
"What we keep hearing over and over and over again is just the loud roar of anxiety, and San Antonians just don't feel safe," Peláez said. Residents want to see more neighborhood patrols, in addition to a drop in murders and home invasions, he said.
City Manager Erik Walsh told reporters after the meeting that he anticipates more debate about the proposed facility over the next few weeks.
"That's the gate we’ve now run through, where the council members — through these work sessions and the town halls — will look to make consensus decisions on changes," Walsh said.
Council members also supported the city's plans for expanding the enhanced library card program from seven to all 29 San Antonio public libraries. SAPD accepts these cards as a valid form of photo identification.
"I'm ready to sign up for mine," said District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran.
Council also supported investments in sidewalk construction and repair and alleyway cleanup.
Residents can weigh in on the proposed budget at nine town halls, which run from Aug. 14 through Aug. 24. Dates, times and locations can be found at saspeakup.com/v8437.