DEPARTMENT: Office of Management and Budget
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Justina Tate
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Public Hearings for the 2019 Ad Valorem Tax Rate and FY 2020 Proposed Budget
SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers two Public Hearings are scheduled:
1) 2019 Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate Public Hearing for the FY 2020 Proposed Budget
2) FY 2020 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
The Public Hearings will provide an opportunity for residents to comment on the 2019 Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate for the FY 2020 Proposed Budget and FY 2020 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget. The Public Hearing on the 2019 Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate will be held at 6:00 PM immediately followed by the Public Hearing on the FY 2020 Proposed Budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The FY 2020 Proposed Budget was presented to the Mayor and City Council on August 8, 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 proposed budget focuses on strong families and Children, Police, housing affordability, streets and sidewalks, and property tax relief with no increase to the City’s property tax rate.
The Proposed FY 2020 Consolidated Annual Budget, comprised of all funds, excluding transfers, totals $2.9 billion. The General Fund budget is $1.27 billion; restricted funds such as Airport, Development Services, Solid Waste, and Hotel Occupancy Tax total $937 million; and the Capital Budget totals $715 million. Following the presentation of the proposed budget a series of city council budget worksessions are scheduled from August 13 to September 11. At these sessions, City staff will review the budget proposals with the Mayor and City Council in detail. The budget is scheduled to be adopted on September 12 for the City’s fiscal year that begins on October 1.
State Law requires that a municipality hold two Tax Rate Public Hearings when the Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate exceeds the Effective Tax Rate. The first Public Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2019 and the second Public Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
City Charter also requires that one Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget be held. Staff recommends two Public Hearings on the FY 2020 Proposed Budget to be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019.
The 2019 Proposed Ad Valorem Rate Public Hearing will begin at 6:00 pm and the FY 2020 Proposed Budget Public Hearing will begin immediately thereafter.
Notices for the Budget and/or Ad Valorem Tax Rate Public Hearings were published in the Express-News in Spanish and English on Sunday, August 18 and Sunday, August 25. Copies of the Proposed Budget are available for purchase and/or inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, 1st Floor, Municipal Plaza.
ISSUE:
On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers two Public Hearings are scheduled:
1) 2019 Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate Public Hearing
2) FY 2020 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
The Public Hearings will provide an opportunity for residents to comment on the 2019 Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate and the FY 2020 Proposed Budget. The Public Hearing on the Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate will be held at 6:00 PM immediately followed by the Public Hearing on the FY 2020 Proposed Budget.
Residents wishing to speak at the Budget Public Hearings may individually sign-in to speak at the Trevino Alley entrance of the City Council Chambers beginning at 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 and Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Residents also can register on-line Wednesday, August 28, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, September 4, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at www.sanantonio.gov/clerk.
ALTERNATIVES:
State Law requires that a municipality holds two property tax rate public hearings when the Proposed Ad Valorem City Tax Rate exceeds the Effective Tax Rate. Additionally, the City Charter requires at least one public hearing on the City’s Proposed Budget.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The public hearings on the 2019 Ad Valorem Property Tax Rate for the FY 2020 Proposed Budget and the Proposed Budget will not require City Council action. Final approval of the FY 2020 Proposed Budget is scheduled for September 12, 2019.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item includes two public hearings for the City's 2019 Ad Valorem Property Tax Rate for the FY 2020 Proposed Budget and the FY 2020 Proposed Budget.