After returning from a hiatus for the city staff to develop a proposed budget, San Antonio City Council resumed its activity to address some imperative issues including a review of the City Council Charter. The meeting’s agenda also included six propositions to vote on the November 5th ballot, as architected by a 15-member committee.

Amendment for Increased investment in Youth Programs

City Council Member, Melissa Cabello Havrda expounded that it was too late to include a new amendment, which was suggested by youth organizers, aimed to raise funds for youth programs. City council members advised that forming a task force or a Youth Engagement Office would be a more suitable route to cater to local youth organizations’ needs.

Opposition to Proposition C

Among the proposals, Proposition C was met with sizable opposition. The proposition would authorize the City Council to determine the employment tenure and remuneration for City Manager. Critics argue that this position was fundamentally meant to be autonomous from the direct control of the council.

Hike in Salary for San Antonio City Council

One of the widely debated proposals was Proposition E, which discusses an elevation in salary for San Antonio Mayor and City Council Members. The Council arrived at a decision to proceed with the proposal and place it on the November 5th ballot, entrusting the final verdict to the voters.

City Officials Salary Increase Under Proposition E

As per the endorsed proposition, following approval, City Council members would earn an annual salary of $70,200, while the Mayor’s remuneration would rise to $87,000. These figures represent the area median income as decreed by the U.S. Census Bureau. Presently, Council members earn nearly $45,000 per year, with the Mayor’s salary standing at $61,000.

Term Limits Under Proposition F

Proposition F, that determines the term limits for City Council Members, was also approved to be put to vote. As per the proposition, the voters will choose whether the council members would serve two terms spanning four years each or four two-year terms.

Debate on the Justification of the Salary Increase

The city council members of San Antonio comparatively earn less than their counterparts in cities like Austin, Dallas, and El Paso. Alana Trevino, a possible future voter on the matter and a public speaker at yesterday’s city council meeting, explained her views on both sides of the argument. She stressed that council members’ focus might shift from community needs to financial benefits if the wage increase comes through. Nevertheless, she believes that a compromise can be reached.

The final decision rests with the voters in the November ballot.