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.


The River Reach is back!

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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Park Closure Notice: Trueheart Ranch

Unfortunately, Trueheart Ranch Nature Park (14984 Blue Wing Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221) is closed until further notice due to recent vandalism. We’re working to assess and repair the damage to ensure the park is safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you for your understanding—updates will be shared as soon as we have them.

Trail Closure – San Pedro Creek Culture Park

* Trail temporarily closed from 5/1/2025 until 9/1/2025.

Due to adjacent construction work, the San Pedro Creek Trail on the west side of the creek will be closed from the access
point at W. Nueva Street to Dolorosa Street until further notice. Alternate route with ADA access is on the east side of the creekSan Pedro Creek Culture Park Trail Closure

Trail Closure: Museum Reach at Pearl

* Trail temporarily closed from 2/3/2025 until 5/16/2025.
* For southbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river and utilize the Hotel Emma bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Access to the east side river trail via the elevator or stairs.
* For northbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river trail at the south bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Continue north through Pearl towards Hotel Emma. The west & east side river trail accessible via the Hotel Emma bridge.

North Bridge West Landing & Stairs Trail Closure Map

 

Graytown Park Parking Lot Construction Notice 

Construction Timeline: April – October 2024 (estimated)

Improvements are coming to Graytown Park! Parking lot construction will begin in April, and we appreciate your patience as we work to enhance the park for all visitors.

Temporary Closures & Impacts:

  • Upper parking area, pavilion, and restrooms will be CLOSED during construction. Temporary restroom facilities will be provided.
  • Park and river access will be CLOSED Monday–Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM (no access during these hours).

We encourage visitors to plan accordingly and check back for updates as the project progresses. Thank you for your support!

Stay Updated: Follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Goliad Paddling Trail Alert

NOTICE: HWY 59 Landing Site Closed

Due to TxDOT construction on the HWY 59 Bridge, the HWY 59 landing site is closed until further notice. However, the Goliad Paddling Trail remains open, and paddlers can still access the river at the Riverdale, Ferry Street, and Goliad State Park landings.

Please plan accordingly and check back for updates.

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.

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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