San Antonio City Council Pay Raise and Term Length Changes on November Ballot

San Antonio City Council Pay Raise and Term Length Changes on November Ballot

Residents of San Antonio will soon have the chance to decide on significant changes to their city government as the City Council has placed a series of charter amendments on the ballot for the upcoming November 5 election. Key issues up for voter consideration include a substantial increase in salaries for council members and an extension of their terms.

Key Proposals for Voter Decision

During a recent meeting, the council unanimously agreed to place six amendments on the ballot. However, the decisions regarding the proposed pay raises and term extensions were met with some dissent, leading to an 8-3 vote on each. The proposed salary increase for council members would raise their pay from $45,722 to $70,200, while the mayor’s salary would increase from $61,725 to $87,800. Additionally, future raises would be linked to local income limits set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Arguments for and Against the Pay Raise

Supporters of the pay raise argue that the increase will make elected positions more accessible to a wider range of community members, as many council members often juggle their duties with other jobs. Council members voicing support for the raise, like Marina Alderete Gavito (D7), emphasized that maintaining a lower salary could limit the diversity of council members to those with higher-paying professions, such as attorneys.

However, opponents, including council members Manny Pelaez (D8), Marc Whyte (D10), and others, argue that council members already enjoy numerous perks, including prominent parking privileges and access to exclusive events. Pelaez remarked on the existing advantages of the position, suggesting council members shouldn’t expect more financial benefits.

Changes to Council Member Terms

In addition to the pay raise, the council is proposing to extend council members’ terms from two years to four years. Proponents of longer terms argue that this change would allow for better continuity in governance and strengthen relationships with constituents. However, critics caution that shorter terms keep council members more accountable to their voters, allowing for quicker removals if they are not meeting expectations.

Other Charter Amendments on the Ballot

Other proposals included in the ballot relate to various governance issues:

• Proposition A: To define “conflicts of interest” and ensure adequate funding for the city’s ethics review board.
• Proposition B: To update outdated language in the city charter.
• Proposition C: To remove pay and term limits for the city manager, which currently caps their salary and service duration.
• Proposition D: To allow city employees to engage in local political activities while providing protection against retribution.

Voters will have the final say on these contentious proposals that could reshape the San Antonio City Council in the years to come.