River Authority FY23 Budget Approved by Board of Directors

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San Pedro Creek Culture Park Mural: "From All Roads We Are One"

Last Updated on January 30, 2024

The Board of Directors of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) has adopted a $371.6 million-dollar budget for the Fiscal Year 2022-23 (FY23). The proposed budget is based on a tax rate of 1.842 cents per $100 in valuation. This equates to approximately $46.24 per year for the average residence homestead. Resources authorized in the adopted budget continue to support the River Authority’s commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers throughout the four-county district. In addition to approving the budget, the Board of Directors also took action to increase the Homestead Exemption across the four-county jurisdiction from 0.5% to 4%. On average, the increase to 4% will result in an exemption of approximately $10,000 – double the existing minimum exemption of $5,000. While the approved budget begins on July 1, 2022, the Board of Directors will decide on the final tax rate on September 21, 2022, after receipt of the final certified property valuations in late July.

How is the River Authority’s budget funded?

Of the $371.6 total available funds, $44.9 million are General Fund revenues, with 94 percent generated from property taxes. Other major revenue sources include utility Charges for Services of $22.9 million generated by the wastewater treatment services provided by the River Authority and grant funding of $6.7 million. Another significant source of funding is Intergovernmental Revenue which totals $143.6 million, primarily generated through Capital Improvements managed by the River Authority. These intergovernmental revenues represent investments in the completion of capital improvement projects, such as the collaboration with Bexar County and the City of San Antonio for the construction of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park and the Bexar County Creeks and Trails Program.

 

What projects are in the budget?

The FY23 budget includes the authorization of 55 projects across all funds, with 28 projects in the River Authority Projects Fund totaling $7.3 million in new funding for FY23. Highlights of new proposed projects within the River Authority Projects Fund include:

  1. Mission Reach Erosion Repairs
  2. Water Quality Modeling
  3. Floodplain Remapping along the Leon and Salado creeks and the Medina River
  4. Initiating the design of a new Nature-Based Park resource for the community that is informed by our recently completed Parks Master Plan
  5. Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk
  6. Collaboration with the City of San Antonio and Alamo Heights for the installation of green infrastructure
  7. Coordination with Bexar County on the development of the Bexar County Creeks & Trails Program and the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project

Overall map of the Westside Creeks Project showing colored dividers between each park region.

The Westside Creeks Project includes Alazán, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro creeks.

Will my tax rate change in 2022?

The annual tax rate must be set at the same rate throughout the River Authority’s four-county district of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. Tax revenue may only be used for planning, operations, and maintenance activities. A public hearing will be held on September 21, 2022, prior to the adoption of the new tax rate. The complete budget will be available on the River Authority’s Transparency page on the agency’s website.

According to the River Authority’s Board Chair, Jim Campbell, “We have adopted a responsible budget that supports projects and organizational goals advancing the River Authority’s commitment to the stewardship of the San Antonio River Basin and the communities we serve. The Board is acutely aware of the increased property appraisals across the district, so the FY23 budget is based on a reduced tax rate, and we have taken action to increase the River Authority’s homestead exemption that essentially doubles the previously available exemption amount.”

Jim Campbell Portrait

Jim Campbell, Chair of the River Authority Board of Directors

“The adopted budget supports River Authority projects and services that enhance the safety, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities across our four-county district,” said River Authority General Manager Derek Boese. “As Chairman Campbell alluded, the budget reflects the economic climate but allows the River Authority to maintain capabilities and respond to targeted needs that contribute to the River Authority’s support of creeks and rivers.”

How can I learn more about the River Authority’s Budget?

1) Visit our transparency page to learn more about this FY23 Budget.

2) Request a community presentation to learn more about the River Authority’s efforts in your community. Virtual options are also available to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions.


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River Reach is a quarterly, 12-page newsletter that is designed to inform the San Antonio River Authority’s constituents about the agency’s many projects, serve as a communication vehicle for the board of directors and foster a sense of unity and identity among the residents of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties.

If you wish to be placed on the mailing list for River Reach, please contact us or complete the form here.

 

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Alerts

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!

 

Gas Spill

The San Antonio River Authority and the City of San Antonio are actively working to contain a recent gas spill in the Downtown River Walk Loop area, which occurred earlier today. The source of the spill is unknown but has stopped. At this time, no environmental impacts have been observed, and teams are implementing measures to fully contain and remove the substance. We will provide updates as the situation develops.

West Bank Trail Closure Notice

Due to the construction of a new trail and bridge, the West Bank of the trail between Schiller St. and Newell St. will be closed for the next couple of months. The East Bank will also be intermittently closed on Monday, November 4th, to install the bridge. Please use caution when navigating around this area. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please refer to the map for reference. 

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

The restrooms at South Alamo will be temporarily closed for maintenance and repairs. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

Acequia Trail Notice

The Acequia trail will have heavy traffic near MROC starting May 22nd until further notice. The SAWS Acequia project will be bringing in crews to work on the lift station site and across the street. There will have flaggers to stop traffic, please use caution. 

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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