San Antonio Budget Proposal: New Fees on Trash, Parking, and More
In San Antonio, the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year has sparked lively discussions among residents and officials alike. The city is looking at ways to raise nearly $10 million through various fees, affecting a wide range of services, from emergency transport to parking at local venues.
Overview of Fee Increases
The city’s plan includes increases that will impact both everyday services and special events. The breakdown of proposed fees provides a glimpse into how San Antonio intends to bolster its finances amid a challenging budget landscape.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport Fee
The most significant change is the rise in the EMS transport fee. Currently set at $1,000, the fee is proposed to increase to $1,250 in fiscal year 2025 and further to $1,500 by 2026. City leaders point out that the actual cost for a single EMS trip is approximately $3,700. Thankfully, there are provisions for uninsured individuals to have these fees waived.
Parking Fees Around Convention Centers
If you plan to attend an event at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center or the Alamodome, be prepared for higher parking costs. Parking fees may jump from $8 to $15 at the Convention Center and will increase from a range of $10-$40 to $10-$60 at the Alamodome.
New Fees for Various Services
A slew of other fees are also on the rise:
- Deceased Transit Permit Fee: $25 fee for funeral homes processing burial transit permits.
- Unpermitted False Alarm Fee: Increases to $250 for responding to false alarms that aren’t registered.
- Library Events Fees: Various fees for library events will see increments, from $20 to $32 for maintenance costs.
- Aircraft Fees: Overnight parking fees for aircraft will rise from $125 to $150, among other charges based on aircraft size.
Trash Collection Costs
Residents will also notice increased costs for trash collection, particularly for medium and large trash carts, which will see a 50 cents hike. This is the second consecutive year of fee adjustments in this category.
Why the Increases?
City Manager Erik Walsh explained that these fee adjustments are essential in helping maintain the city’s budget, which is projected at nearly $4 billion. The added revenue aims to ensure that vital services like police, fire, and streets are adequately funded.
Community Reaction
Residents and stakeholders have mixed feelings regarding the proposed increases. Some express understanding of the financial challenges but worry about the cumulative effect on families already dealing with rising living costs.
As discussions unfold, residents are encouraged to voice their opinions on these proposed fee adjustments and to stay informed on how they could impact everyday life in San Antonio.
