DEPARTMENT: Office of Management and Budget
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Woodruff
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
City Council Worksession on FY 2017 Proposed Budget
SUMMARY:
A Budget Worksession will be held on September 14 for City Council to provide a briefing on major initiatives within the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation and discuss potential amendments to the FY 2017 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The FY 2017 Proposed Budget was presented to the Mayor and City Council on August 18, 2016. The FY 2017 Proposed Budget reflects City Council policy direction, community priorities, and begins the implementation of the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan. The Budget focuses on five key areas: 1) Fiscal responsibility, 2) Investing in streets and sidewalks, 3) Enhancing public safety and quality of life of city neighborhoods, 4) Promoting our world heritage site and preparing for the City’s Tricentennial Celebration; and 5) Building a strong foundation to place San Antonio as a leader in “Smart Cities” initiatives.
The Proposed FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Budget, comprised of all funds excluding transfers, totals $2.5 billion. The General Fund budget is $1.14 billion; restricted funds, including Aviation, Development Services, Solid Waste and Hotel Occupancy Tax, total $823 million; and the Capital Budget totals $585 million. The Proposed Budget adds a net of 151 new positions for a total of 12,183 authorized positions.
The Proposed General Fund Budget is structurally balanced, keeps public safety spending at 65.9%, and maintains financial reserves at 15%. The budget supports a proposed general obligation bond program for 2017 to 2021 of $850 million with no city property tax rate increase.
Prior to the Proposed Budget presentation, residents participated in the SASpeakUp campaign. City staff gathered input on the priorities of the community for the FY 2017 Budget by attending various community wide events during the months of April and May. During these events residents were given the opportunity to provide input on their budget priorities through the San Antonio Budget Survey. Residents were also invited to provide input through the City’s website, social media, and through the City’s Budget Input Box available at city departments, libraries, community centers, and online. The City received over 5,000 comments. A report with the results from these meeting was provided at the June 8th City Council Budget Policy Goal Setting Session. During this Worksession, City Council provided policy direction for the development of the FY 2017 Budget.
Following the presentation, a series of City Council budget work sessions were held from August 24 to September 7. These Worksessions presented to City Council detailed information about the proposals addressing City Council-identified service delivery priorities included within the FY 2017 Proposed Budget.
In addition to the Budget Worksessions, five Budget Open Houses were held between August 22 and September 1 and two City-wide Public Hearings on the Budget and the City’s Property Tax Rate were held on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 and Wednesday, September 7, 2016. These events allowed San Antonio residents to voice their opinions about the FY 2017 Proposed Budget.
Over 280 residents attended the 5 Budget Open Houses and the Public Hearing held on Wednesday, August 31 and over 850 comments were received on the Proposed Budget through the Budget Open Houses, the Budget Public Hearing, SASpeakup Website, and Social Media. A report listing all comments received was provided to the City Council on September 7, 2016, and is available on the City’s website.
On September 15, City Council will consider the adoption of the FY 2017 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget along with any amendments as approved by City Council.
ISSUE:
A Budget Worksession is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14, 2016 beginning at 2:00 pm for City Council to provide a briefing on major initiatives within the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation and discuss potential amendments to the FY 2017 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget. A list of potential amendments to the FY 2017 Budget was provided to City Council on September 9, 2016.
HEMISFAIR PARK AREA REDEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
In 2009, the City Council established the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC), a local government corporation appointed to manage and revitalize the Hemisfair area. HPARC is governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by City Council. In addition to the 11-member board, the City of San Antonio has one ex-officio, non-voting member consisting of the City Manager or her designee. Since 2009, the City of San Antonio has funded the staff and operations of HPARC through various agreements.
The FY 2017 Proposed Budget includes $1,687,000 for HPARC for operations to assist in the development and redevelopment of HemisFair and its surrounding area by promoting economic development and stimulating business, housing and commercial activity.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is a scheduled worksession for the FY 2017 Proposed Budget.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This worksession is to provide a briefing on major initiatives within the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation and discuss potential amendments to the FY 2017 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget. The FY 2017 Budget is scheduled to be adopted by City Council on September 15, 2016.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is a worksession for discussion of the FY 2017 Proposed Budget.