DEPARTMENT: Office of Management and Budget
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Justina Tate
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Adopting the Annual Consolidated Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2019
SUMMARY:
An Ordinance adopting the Annual Consolidated Operating and Capital budgets for the City of San Antonio Fiscal Year 2019 that begins October 1st; approving projects included in the FY 2019 to FY 2023 Five-Year Infrastructure Management Plan; approving the FY 2019 to FY 2024 Six-Year Capital Improvements Program for the City of San Antonio; approving certain contracts; providing for a one-time annuity increase for retirees and their beneficiaries and a revision to the City’s contribution rate in connection with the Texas Municipal Retirement System; authorizing personnel complements; appropriating funds; and amending related ordinances.
Following the action taken on this item, the City Council will consider, through separate ordinances, the following: 1) the ratification of the FY 2019 Budget, 2) the City's Maintenance & Operation Property Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2019, 3) the City's Debt Service Property Tax Rate for Fiscal Year 2019, 4) the new fee and fee adjustment ordinance that address revenue adjustments included in the Fiscal Year 2019 Proposed Budget, and 5) the FY 2018 Closing Ordinance.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The FY 2019 Proposed Budget was presented to City Council on August 9, 2019. The budget is balanced as required by law and reflects the City’s continued commitment to providing public services and programs that enhance the quality of life for the San Antonio residents. Guided by the City Council policy direction and community input, the FY 2019 Proposed Budget focuses on streets and sidewalks, affordable housing, and filling police vacancies with no increase to the City’s property tax rate.
The Proposed FY 2019 Consolidated Annual Budget, comprised of all funds, excluding transfers, totals $2.8 billion. The General Fund budget is $1.26 billion; restricted funds such as Airport, Development Services, Solid Waste, and Hotel Occupancy Tax total $889 million; and the Capital Budget totals $690 million.
A total of 8 City Council work sessions were held prior to budget adoption on September 13 to present the budget in detail to the City Council. Two sessions were held during the week of August 13: Streets, Sidewalks, Drainage, Transportation and the Capital Program/Debt Plan (August 14); Fire and Police Departments (August 15). Four additional work sessions were held during the week of August 20 and August 27: Neighborhood & Housing Services, Planning, Sustainability, Metro Health, Library, Human Services and Delegate Agencies (August 21) Solid Waste Management, Development Services/Code Enforcement, and Animal Care Services (August 22); Economic Development, Center City Development & Operations and Airport (August 28), Convention & Sports Facilities, Arts and Culture, and World Heritage (August 29), and two held during the Week of September 3: Historic Preservation, Municipal Court, and Administration of the City (including employee compensation and benefits) (September 4) and amendments to the Proposed Budget (September 5).
In addition to the budget work sessions a total of seven Budget Community Days and two public hearings were held to obtain input from the community about the proposed FY 2019 budget. Two of the Budget Community Days were held entirely in Spanish as well. A report reflecting the input provided by the public was provided to the City Council on September 5, 2018, and is available on the City’s website.
On September 13, City Council will consider the adoption of the FY 2019 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget along with any amendments as approved by City Council.
ISSUE:
On September 13, City Council will consider six actions that are related to the FY 2019 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget. The following items will be considered in the order shown below:
1. Adoption of the FY 2019 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget
2. Adoption of Ordinance Ratifying Adoption of Budget
3. Adoption of Ordinance Setting the Maintenance & Operation (M&O) Property Tax Rate
4. Adoption of Ordinance Setting the Debt Service Property Tax Rate
5. Adoption of Fee Adjustment Ordinance
6. Adoption of Closing Ordinance
Separate memos have been placed on the September 13 agenda that address the Ratification of the Budget, Ad Valorem Tax Rate, Revenue Adjustments, and the Closing Ordinance.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is required by City Charter.
FISCAL IMPACT:
City Council consideration and subsequent adoption of this item by ordinance will adopt expenditures levels for the City of San Antonio Fiscal Year 2019 Operating and Capital Budgets.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this item.