San Antonio faces a critical moment in public‑safety budgeting. The city council recently approved a three‑year, $102.3 million police contract that will increase spending from $15.4 million in the first year to $57.9 million by fiscal year 2029. With a projected $158 million shortfall threatening cuts to essential city services, Act 4 SA is pressing for an independent audit of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) to ensure fiscal responsibility and community trust.
Why an audit is needed now
The new contract, signed under newly appointed Chief Jesse Salame, adds significant costs for officer salaries, healthcare and overtime. SAPD overtime in fiscal year 2024 exceeded its budget by 94 percent, with $34.4 million spent against a $17.8 million allocation. The department also records one of the highest rates of officer‑involved shootings among major Texas metros, a statistic that has not improved with the change in leadership.
Act 4 SA argues that these financial trends are not isolated. Excessive overtime can lead to officer fatigue, which research links to higher risk of use‑of‑force incidents. The National Policing Institute noted in January 2026 that being awake for 17 hours can produce a blood‑alcohol‑level effect of 0.05, raising safety concerns for both officers and the public.
Audit priorities outlined by Act 4 SA
- Compensation and overtime: Review all salary, overtime and the downstream costs of officer‑involved shootings, including litigation, settlements and paid leave.
- Contracts and procurement: Examine the $35 million procurement budget added in 2026 and any vendor agreements outside the existing police contract.
- Grant funding: Verify that federal and state grants are not creating permanent spending obligations that could undermine sanctuary protections.
- Regular oversight: Require independent audits every three years, timed to coincide with future contract negotiations.
Act 4 SA stresses that audit findings should be published within 30 days and tied directly to the city budget, avoiding “performative‑paperwork” exercises. The group points to Houston’s recent audit, which identified up to $750 million in savings across 22 departments without layoffs, as evidence that thorough reviews can yield substantial efficiencies.
Community response and leadership stance
Deputy City Manager María Villagómez and Chief Salame have met with families who lost loved ones to police violence, signaling a willingness to listen. Chief Salame has publicly supported an audit, stating it will improve SAPD procedures and save money. Act 4 SA welcomes this stance but urges swift action, noting that the city’s largest single expense – policing – will grow by nearly $58 million under the new contract.
Act 4 SA also raises concerns about the contract’s “re‑hire addendum,” which could allow problematic officers to return after dismissal, and questions the criteria used to define a “good cop.” The organization argues that transparent, community‑driven oversight is essential to protect both officers and residents.
Looking ahead
The call for an audit aligns with broader efforts to reimagine public safety in San Antonio. Act 4 SA emphasizes that true safety comes from investment in affordable housing, healthcare, crisis response and quality education—not solely from increased police funding. By demanding fiscal transparency, the group hopes to build a public‑safety system that reflects family values, faith‑based community stewardship and constitutional principles of accountability.
Residents are invited to join Act 4 SA in urging city officials to launch the independent audit immediately. The organization believes that a transparent review will protect good officers, reduce burnout, and lower the risk of fatal encounters, ultimately strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
