City Council Budget Planning Workshop LIVE stream 4-10-26

The City of San Angelo held a comprehensive budget planning workshop on April 10, 2026, focusing heavily on procurement, budget allocations, and operational efficiencies across multiple city departments. Key procurement-related discussions included a detailed review of salary survey results and compensation adjustments requiring approximately $3.7 million to $5 million to bring city employees, including public safety personnel, to market rates. The council considered new revenue proposals such as a cemetery tax, credit card convenience fees for utility payments, and a street use fee designed to fund infrastructure projects and free up general fund resources. The workshop also covered the creation of a new environmental division with a $1.9 million budget to address code enforcement and property abatements, and the potential implementation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology for water utilities with an initial $200,000 setup and $175,000 annual recurring cost to improve efficiency and customer service. Public safety departments discussed grant funding strategies, staffing needs including the addition of public safety officers and civilian positions to reduce overtime, and new fee proposals such as a $250 charge for fall assist calls at care facilities. The fire department proposed a self-inspection program for low-risk businesses to increase inspection capacity and reduce costs. The airport discussed parking lot improvements and potential paid parking implementation. Several departments highlighted cost-saving measures, fee increases, and new revenue opportunities, with an emphasis on balancing service delivery with fiscal responsibility. Motions and action items related to budget adjustments, fee schedule amendments, and staffing additions were proposed for future council consideration.