Last Updated on January 30, 2024
The Board of Directors of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) has adopted a $389.7 million budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 (FY24). The proposed budget is based on a tax rate of 1.819 cents per $100 in valuation. This rate translates to about $51.03 per year for the average residence homestead. Resources authorized in the adopted budget will continue to support the River Authority’s commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers throughout the four-county district.
How is the FY24 budget funded?
Of the $389.6 million, $65.3 million are General Fund revenues,, with 93% generated from property taxes. Other major revenue sources include utility Charges for Services of $51.7 million generated by the wastewater treatment services provided by the River Authority and grant funding of $8.1 million. Another significant funding source is Intergovernmental Revenue, which totals $124.6 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 collaborating with Bexar County and the City of San Antonio to construct the Bexar County Creeks and Trails Program and the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The Westside Creeks Project includes approximately 2.81 miles of Martinez Creek (pictured here).
What projects are in the new budget?
The FY24 budget includes the authorization of 57 projects across all funds, with 24 projects in the River Authority Projects Fund totaling $9.1 million in new funding. Highlights of new proposed projects within the River Authority Projects Fund include:
1) Cibolo Water Quality Update
2) Utility System Capital Improvements
3) Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk
4) Park Design and Construction to continue the development of Hendrick Arnold Park, Trueheart Park, and Espada Park
5) Coordination with Bexar County on the development of the Bexar County Creeks and Trails Program and the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project
In FY 2023-24, the habitat suitability model for the Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction Project will be finalized, and River Authority scientists will introduce the first cohort of mussels into the Mission Reach.
Hendrick Arnold Nature Park, a park managed and operated by the River Authority, is scheduled to open in Fall 2023.
Will my tax rate change in 2023?
Stay tuned. The annual tax rate must be set at the same rate throughout the River Authority’s district: Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. The River Authority may only use tax revenue for planning, operations, and maintenance activities. Before adopting the new tax rate, we will hold a public hearing on September 20, 2023. The complete budget will be available on the River Authority’s Transparency page on the agency’s website.
How can I learn more about the River Authority’s Budget?
1) Visit our transparency page to learn more about this FY24 Budget.
2) Request a community presentation to learn more about the River Authority’s efforts in your community.
