government
KSAT Q&A: Mayor Jones talks potential city budget cuts, raising property taxes amid $158M budget gap
By KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones joined the 6 O’Clock News on Tuesday to discuss the city’s fiscal challenges as it approaches a $158 million budget gap.If the city eliminated every library, all general fund spending on public health and funds to Animal Care Services, San Antonio would still be...
Key takeaway If the city eliminated every library, all general fund spending on public health and funds to Animal Care Services, San Antonio would still be $21 million short of the budget deficit, Jones said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The city's $158 million budget gap poses a significant challenge for San Antonio residents, who may face a double property tax increase for the first time in decades. Mayor Jones' suggestion to raise property taxes, potentially twice, will likely impact homeowners and businesses across the city. The potential cuts to organizations like the San Antonio Botanical Garden and Animal Care Services will also be felt throughout the community. As the city considers these cuts, residents should pay close attention to how their council districts will be affected, particularly in terms of infrastructure and public services. The mayor's criticism of the Spurs' annual $2.5 million contribution to the city also raises questions about revenue sharing and the role of large organizations in supporting local budgets. With the city budget set to be approved by late August or early September, residents should expect a lively debate on these issues in the coming months.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones joined the 6 O’Clock News on Tuesday to discuss the city’s fiscal challenges as it approaches a $158 million budget gap.If the city eliminated every library, all general fund spending on public health and funds to Animal Care Services, San Antonio would still be...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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