The River Authority\u2019s current rate is at $0.01830, or 1.83 cents per $100 valuation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This week, Deputy General Manager Rick Trefzer told the board he recommends the River Authority consider a proposed tax rate of $0.01930, or 1.93 cents per $100 valuation.<\/p>\n
The River Authority also increased its tax rate in 2025, from $0.01787 to the current level, but did not expect another increase this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In June, Trefzer said that while early numbers indicated the agency would face a reduction in revenue, it could probably avoid a rate increase<\/a>. But that would depend on pending information on the potential decrease in valuations, he said.<\/p>\n Now that data is in, revealing declines in property tax valuation for the first time in many years, Trefzer said. <\/p>\n The numbers show that if the River Authority maintained its current tax rate, revenue could come in at almost $900,000 less than the previous year.<\/p>\n The proposed new tax rate, on the other hand, is estimated to generate $1.8 million more in annual revenue than last year, which amounts to a total of $52.5 million.<\/p>\n At a board meeting in early August, Trefzer previewed the taxation calculations, saying he would come back with a more detailed recommendation.<\/p>\n \u201cWe just wanted to make sure we painted this picture of at some point there is probably not going to be enough tax revenue to support the current level of service,\u201d he said. \u201cThat is not in 2027, but looking to 2030 and beyond, I think there\u2019s certainly a scenario where we need to be thoughtful about what the tax rate is.\u201d<\/p>\n On Wednesday, he delivered more clarity.<\/p>\n Like the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, the River Authority is also preparing its 2027 budget for a fiscal year that starts Oct. 1. Its elected board of directors<\/a> will vote next month to adopt the proposed $411.2 million budget, new tax rate, as well as rates and fees schedule.\u00a0<\/p>\n During a budget presentation this week, River Authority staff discussed several cuts and adjustments to the budget to rein in or manage costs, including staffing, operations and capital projects. Serving a four-county regions, the River Authority\u2019s revenue sources include tax dollars, water rights and leases, and administrative and operating fees.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to funding a new flood warning system, the River Authority has budgeted for $154.8 million for other major capital projects it has in the works, including flood control, conservation, creeks and trails maintenance, parks\u00a0and improvements on infrastructure and utilities.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SanAntonioRiverAuthority_RiverwalkBoard_WaterResources_FloodControl_EnvironmentalProtectionConservat.jpeg\")
Board member Patrice Melancon, seated next to Deputy General Manager Rick Trefzer, speaks during a San Antonio River Authority meeting on Wednesday. Credit: Amber Esparza \/ San Antonio Report<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1787307683_793_SanAntonioRiverAuthority_RiverwalkBoard_WaterResources_FloodControl_EnvironmentalProtectionConservat.jpeg\")
San Antonio River Authority board chairman Derek Gaudlitz and general manager Derek Boese at a meeting on Wednesday. Credit: Amber Esparza \/ San Antonio Report<\/p>\n