San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones recently discussed the city’s fiscal challenges as it approaches a $158 million budget gap. The city is considering various options to address the deficit, including eliminating certain services and raising property taxes for the first time in decades.
Potential Cuts and Tax Increases
If the city were to eliminate every library, all general fund spending on public health, and funds to Animal Care Services, it would still be $21 million short of the budget deficit, according to Jones. She suggested that raising property taxes may be necessary, potentially twice, to help bridge the gap.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is one organization that may face budget cuts. Jones noted that the garden charges for tickets, which could be a reason for the city to cut funds. She also criticized the Spurs, a local basketball team, for their annual $2.5 million payment to the city, saying that the team should contribute more to the city’s revenue.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
