Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
The San Antonio City Council has a big Monday ahead of them next week, as they consider sending the city’s $489 million contribution to the new Spurs arena to a public vote. The propositions considering the tax rate and establishing the investment zones were approved by Bexar County voters in November, but Mayor Gina Ortiz-Jones in particular has called for a city vote.
In her bid to sell the idea to voters, the ayor has held three listening session to discuss the issue with the public. Monday night, the mayor held her final session, discussing the deal with the public.
The original plan in November had no mention of tax hikes, but the mayor says now, those are apparently back on the table.
"Right now we are talking about not just one but two property tax increases…we have a $150 million budget deficit…the recommendation by city staff is to raise the property yaxes to help there," she said. "One reason our bond capacity is so low is because of where property taxes are currently."
The public voiced general concerns, regarding what happens to the money if the city votes it down, and how the ballot language will be phrased.
The latter of which, Ortiz-Jones said it will be phrased as it was in November, in the form of "approve," or "do not approve."
As she did in the other sessions too, the Mayor made her last plea to bring the contribution to a vote.
"I think it is only fair people, neighbors, everyone, is raising questions about it," said the mayor.
The city council is set to vote to put it on the ballot at their meeting August 17th.