|
|
Judge Sakai
FALL 2025 Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE
- A message from Peter Sakai – Venue tax election approaching
- Key initiatives – Budget approved; Venue tax in-depth; Propositions listed
- County Corner – Next Gen flood warning system becomes reality; Gomez, Howard appointed to VIA Board; Deaf Culture Conference raises awareness; New Purchasing Agent and Elections Administrator; Bexar County Public Safety Expo
- Get involved – It is time for flu shots and vaccines; Speak up at Commissioners Court
- From our Community Partners – VIA service to Precinct 4 office
- In and Around Bexar County – Photos of Judge Sakai
- Helpful resources
A Message from Peter Sakai
| |
I want to provide some background regarding the upcoming Venue Tax election called by the Bexar County Commissioners Court for Nov. 4th.
All eligible Bexar County residents are encouraged to vote on the two propositions we are putting forward.
The first, Proposition A, is for $192 million in renovations to the Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum and Freeman grounds that will allow the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo to expand to a year-round operation.
The second, Proposition B, is for a portion of the new downtown Spurs arena. The total will be either $311 million or 25 percent of the total cost of the facility, whichever is lower. (These amounts are subject to change).
The Spurs have committed $500 million, and the City of San Antonio will contribute an amount not yet approved by City Council.
Early voting starts on October 20th and runs through Oct. 31st.
For more details on voting locations for both early voting and Election Day, click here:
https://www.bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department
You are also invited to attend a community information session I am hosting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday Oct. 1st at the Freeman Coliseum’s Expo Hall A on the County's Coliseum Complex Venue Project.
I will be joined by State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and leaders from the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and the Freeman Coliseum Community Arenas Board, the organization that manages the Freeman Coliseum and grounds.
The meeting is designed to be informational and members of the public will be invited to submit questions to the panel.
Parking is free for all attendees.
For more information, click here:
https://www.bexar.org/3988/Coliseum-Complex-Venue-Project
| |
Key Initiatives
BEXAR COUNTY BUDGET APPROVED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
On September 9th, Bexar County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the County’s Operating and Capital Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
The $2.8 billion budget reaffirms my priorities for the coming year:
- Strategic investments in public safety
-
Public health
-
Economic and workforce development and
-
Infrastructure
This budget supports our residents and keeps spending within our means as we face nation-wide economic uncertainty.
I have placed a premium on public safety through the County's commitment to emergency management, flood mitigation, core infrastructure programs, and the marked increases in Sheriff and Deputy Constable positions.
Through continued investments in economic and workforce development, such as our investment in Project Quest and the County’s TX Fast Track training program for advanced manufacturing, the Commissioners Court is diversifying the County’s workforce while equipping families with skills to build generational wealth.
Furthermore, this Commissioners Court has earmarked $1 million for countywide initiatives to address food insecurity and health access as our community faces the impacts of federal cuts to the social safety net.
The Commissioners Court approved these strategic investments in addressing core community needs and provided a substantial cost of living increase for County employees to support recruitment and retention while keeping the tax rate flat and taking a fiscally responsible approach to managing expenses.
The property tax rate of 0.299999 remains the same from last year. The County has not raised the tax rate in three decades.
Prior to the adoption of the County's budget, I hosted four Budget Town Halls in August to give constituents the opportunity to hear details about the budget and ask questions about their specific areas of concern.
| |
In a related financial development, Moody’s Ratings has affirmed Bexar County’s Triple-A rating, the highest rating available. This allows the County to secure the lowest borrowing costs and save taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of its debt portfolio. Moody’s cited the County’s strong financial position, long track record of sound fiscal management and the strength of our growing economy as justification for the top rating.
VENUE TAX IN-DEPTH
Venue Tax, Coliseum Complex Venue Project explained
To help fulfill the promise that was made to the Eastside a generation ago when the AT&T Center (now Frost Bank Center) was initially proposed, Bexar County residents will be asked to vote on two Venue Tax resolutions in November.
Bexar County Manager David Smith estimates the Venue Tax will generate $503 million over the next 30 years. That is based on a .25 percent increase, from 1.75% to 2%, on the hotel portion of the tax.
The Venue Tax is a combination of the Hotel Occupancy Tax and car rental tax. I call the venue tax a “visitors or tourist tax,” because it has no impact on either homeowner property taxes or the sales tax. It is paid for by tourists.
Unless you stay in a local hotel or rent a car here, it will not affect you at all.
To put the tax in perspective, if you pay for a $200 room, you are currently assessed $3.50 per night in venue taxes. If the proposition is approved, that figure would go up by 50 cents - to $4 per night.
For rental cars, the current rate of 5% will not change.
Legally, the Venue Tax can only be used on the following: an arena, coliseum, stadium, or other type of facility that is planned for civic or community use and for which a fee for admission will be charged.
The State of Texas does not allow the Venue Tax to be used for housing or flood control initiatives or any number of important issues in our community.
| |
If both propositions pass, plans will move forward for the Frost/Freeman footprint as well as the Spurs arena.
If one or both propositions do not pass, they could be brought back to voters in the November 2026 election.
The Venue Tax will not be used for any of the proposed Project Marvel facilities, other than a portion of a new Spurs arena. Project Marvel is a City of San Antonio initiative. The County never provided any financial support nor staffing assistance.
For more information on the Venue Tax and Coliseum Complex Venue Project, click here:
https://www.bexar.org/3988/Coliseum-Complex-Venue-Project
| |
Here is the actual wording of the propositions:
BEXAR COUNTY PROPOSITION A
“Authorizing Bexar County, Texas to provide for the planning, acquisition, establishment, development, construction, renovation, and financing of the Freeman Coliseum, Frost Bank Center, and other San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo facilities (together, the "Coliseum Complex Venue Project"). and related infrastructure, a venue project of the type described in and as authorized by Chapter 334, Texas Local Government Code, as amended (the "Act") and as designated and described by the County's resolution dated June 10, 2025 (the "Resolution"); and (i) to increase the County hotel occupancy tax to a maximum rate of two percent (2%) for the purpose of financing the Coliseum Complex Venue Project, pursuant to Subchapter H of the Act, and if approved, the maximum hotel occupancy tax rate imposed from all sources in Bexar County would be 17.00% of the price paid for a room in a hotel; and (ii) to authorize the use of the existing County short-term motor vehicle rental tax at a maximum rate of five percent (5%) on the gross rental receipts from the rental of motor vehicles in Bexar County, pursuant to Subchapter E of the Act, for the purpose of financing the Coliseum Complex Venue Project and approving the Resolution."
BEXAR COUNTY PROPOSITION B
"Authorizing Bexar County, Texas to provide for the planning, acquisition, establishment, development, construction, or renovation of a new multipurpose arena designed primarily as the home venue for the San Antonio Spurs basketball team, and to be used for other purposes including, but not limited to, facilities for semi-professional, collegiate, and amateur basketball games, concerts, entertainment events, community events, and conventions (the "Arena Venue Project"), and related infrastructure, a venue project of the type described in and as authorized by Chapter 334, Texas Local Government Code, as amended (the "Act") and as designated and described by the County's resolution dated June 10, 2025 (the "Resolution"); and (i) to increase the County hotel occupancy tax to a maximum rate of two percent (2%), for the purpose of financing the Arena Venue Project and approving the Resolution, pursuant to Subchapter H of the Act, and approved, the maximum hotel occupancy tax rate imposed from all sources in Bexar County would be 17.00% of the price paid for a room in a hotel; and (ii) to authorize the use of the existing County short-term motor vehicle rental tax at maximum rate of five percent (5%) on the gross rental receipts from the rental of motor vehicles in Bexar County, pursuant to Subchapter E of the Act, for the purpose of financing the Arena Venue Project, and approving the Resolution."
County Corner
NEXT GEN FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM BECOMES REALITY
In the aftermath of the horrific flooding that claimed 13 lives this past June, Bexar County has stepped up in a big way.
In August, Commissioners Court approved the Next Generation Flood Warning System, or NextGen for short.
The goal is for zero lives to be lost during future storms.
| |
The new system will be overseen by the San Antonio River Authority.
It will cost $21 million, which was approved in the 2025-26 Bexar County budget.
The County has committed to initially funding the entire project, although financial support from the City of San Antonio, the State of Texas and the federal government is being pursued.
We felt the commitment needed to be made immediately to get the project operational as soon as possible. The funding concerns were deemed to be secondary to the pressing need of saving lives.
The new predictive system will replace outdated proprietary systems with best-in-class technology, incorporate real-time data from gauges and sensors to give faster, more accurate alerts. It will also provide critical early warnings to first responders and the public so people will have time to act.
A series of public meetings will be held over the next six months to educate the public. Next year, a region-wide flood safety education campaign will help promote a culture of flood awareness and preparedness.
GOMEZ, HOWARD APPOINTED TO VIA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
I recently appointed Leo Gomez and Derrick Howard to the VIA Board of Trustees, an important position overseeing the operations of our local bus company.
Leo and Derrick have extensive experience in our community.
Leo is the president and chief executive officer at Brooks and has serves on the board of greater:SATX, Arboretum of San Antonio and Supply SA.
| |
Leo Gomez (above), Derrick Howard (below)
Derrick is the executive director of the Freeman Coliseum and the Bexar County Community Arenas Board. Both have long served our community and will be valuable representatives for Bexar County.
VIA’s Green and Silver Line Advanced Rapid Transit projects will be transformative for our County. Leo and Derrick will provide guidance on policy issues regarding those projects as they become new transportation options for our community.
The Green Line is the North-South corridor that will run down San Pedro Avenue and connect the airport to the historic Missions.
The Silver Line is an East-West route that will run from the Frost Bank Center to Our Lady of the Lake University.
Frequency will be greatly improved on these lines with economic development expected along both routes.
DEAF CULTURE CONFERENCE RAISES AWARENESS
| |
Kay Chiodo of No Barriers Communications provides training during the Deaf Culture Conference.
As Bexar County and the State of Texas continue to grow, so too is the Deaf community expanding. To ensure accessibility for all citizens, we are planning strategically and investing in basic services for the Deaf community.
Earlier this year, I joined forces with No Barriers Communications and the City of San Antonio's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Department to host the Deaf Culture Conference.
The goal was to increase awareness about the culture of people who are born Deaf and rely on American Sign Language., discuss barriers, and identify solutions with public-serving agencies to improve accessibility for the Deaf community.
As a result of the conference, we devised numerous ways to ensure successful accessibility within an organization by providing resources on how to accomplish that goal, effective and proper communication for situations, and public assessment of accessibility. For more information on how to make your organization more accessible, please click here.
Bexar County took action in several ways.
We have partnered with Deaf Link to enhance accessibility for Deaf voters. Commissioners Court has supported our Elections Department to expand access to voting with Video Remote Interpreting for American Sign Language from five precincts to all voting sites. The Court approved funds to purchase tablets that will allow full access for deaf voters at every one of the County’s 300 voting locations starting with the November election.
The devices will also enhance curbside voting for those who require that service and speed the check-in process for all voters.
This is just the start of what I expect will be more collaborations, including one we began recently at Commissioners Court with American Sign Language interpretation to help make Bexar County accessible to the Deaf community.
NEW PURCHASING AGENT, ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR HIRED
Gregory H Galloway II has been selected as the new Bexar County Director of Purchasing. Gregory is recognized as a State Agency Purchaser, Certified Texas Contracts Developer (CTCD) obtained through the State of Texas, Office of the Comptroller. He is also a distinguished Sourcing and Purchasing Subject Matter Expert with Master Certification in both Government and Commercial Contract Management.
Gregory previously worked with the Department of Defense as a contract professional. He plans to enhance the department by dedicating his time to strengthening the alliance with local and regional businesses and delivering exceptional service with outstanding value to the community.
| |
Gregory Galloway
Along with training the department to reinforce best practices and reduce the backlog, he plans to instill a constant flow internally and externally for a more streamlined and efficient approach.
Gregory will continue to raise the bar, embrace new opportunities, and create meaningful impact that benefits all of Bexar County.
Michele Carew is the new Bexar County Elections Administrator. She has 17 years of elections experience in Hood, Aransas and Parker counties, has overseen 120 elections and is fluent with Texas Election Code. Michele is nationally certified and is the former President of the Texas Association of Elections Administrators. She also has extensive budgeting experience with several counties.
| |
Michele Carew
Michele was previously the Director of Client Services overseeing client services and sales working with county election administrators and clerks. She plans to prioritize meeting with community leaders to find how to make voting more accessible for youth and voters with disabilities, acknowledging issues such as violence and security at voting locations and emphasizing the need for solutions.
Our Department of County Elections Services provides Bexar County's residents voter registration services efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with established laws, regulations, and governmental policies.
BEXAR COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY EXPO
| |
My office joined the Office of Emergency Management and the Emergency Service District Association in hosting Bexar County first responders and emergency agencies at the Bexar County Public Safety Expo on June 20th.
The event focused on collaboration, communication, and coordination to enhance emergency preparedness across the region. I emphasized the importance of strong relationships among the 12 Emergency Services Districts and public safety officials to keep residents safe.
The Expo offered agencies a chance to network, share resources, and strengthen future emergency plans. A key feature was a large display of emergency vehicles and tactical equipment, including mobile command units and wildfire strike teams, showcasing assets and demonstrating the region’s extensive emergency response capabilities.
Michael Morlan, Deputy Chief of the Office of Emergency Management, highlighted the county’s commitment to public safety through ongoing cooperation among agencies. Participating organizations included the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, the 12 Emergency Service Districts, South Texas Regional Advisory Council, and Allegiance Mobile Health.
Get Involved
IT IS TIME FOR FLU SHOTS AND VACCINES
I want to encourage Bexar County residents to take advantage of free flu shots at several upcoming events and also recommend everyone stay current on vaccinations.
Every eligible Bexar County resident should consider getting a flu shot.
We have a wonderful partnership with University Health that let you stay in your car to get a flu shot.
I encourage everyone to keep up-to-date with all of their vaccines. We saw what happened with the measles outbreak in West Texas earlier this year. It resulted in 762 confirmed measles cases, including two fatalities in school-aged children who were not vaccinated.
These deaths were preventable. I want to make sure no one in Bexar County suffers unnecessarily from any disease that can be prevented by simply getting vaccinated.
Registration for flu shots is required as appointments are limited. Sign up at UniversityHealth.com/flu
The remaining dates include:
Oct. 11 at the Dub Farris Athletic Complex, 8400 North Loop 1604 West
Oct. 25 at Gustafson Stadium, 7001 Culebra Road
Each event starts at 8 a.m. and lasts four hours.
Children must be at least six months old to be eligible for a flu shot.
SPEAK UP AT COMMISSIONERS COURT
Anyone can sign up to speak at Commissioners Court. Meetings start at 9 a.m. in the Double Height Courtroom, Suite 2.01 on the 2nd floor of the Bexar County Courthouse at 100 Dolorosa. See future meeting dates here. Can’t attend in person? All meetings are livestreamed and accessible online. Commissioners Court Live Broadcast
Agendas and backup documents can be found at: https://www.bexar.org/146/Commissioners-Court
| |
VIA Metropolitan Transit would like to inform you of a new VIA Link service to Bexar County’s New Precinct 4 Office. Customers can now use any of the following virtual stops to reach Bexar County’s New Precinct 4 office located at 8794 East Loop 1604, North #2.
- VIA Link Randolph Zone
- VIA Randolph Transit Center
- Northeast Lakeview College
- Walmart at Old Seguin Rd & Crestway
- South Seguin & FM78 (existing route 21 bus stop)
- FM 1516 & Upper Seguin (existing route 21bus stop)
This new service will be provided Monday – Friday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Trips will be available to and from the new Precinct 4 office every 30 minutes.
IN AND AROUND BEXAR COUNTY
| | I went to Japan in mid-September on a week-long economic development mission, meeting with multiple companies, business leaders and political figures. One of the highlights was a session with Sanko Chairman Kohei Goto. He appreciated the San Antonio Missions uniform I presented to him. | | A delegation of officials from the Canary Islands paid us a recent visit in preparation of 2031. That year will mark the 300-year anniversary of the arrival of Canary Islanders here. I clearly enjoyed interreacting with President Oswaldo Betancourt of the Cabildo Lanzarote, Canary Islands. | The new president of the massive Toyota plant in San Antonio, Frank Voss, met with my staff recently. He succeeds Susann Kazunas, who was promoted to group president. Toyota is expanding its operations in southern Bexar County with a $531 million investment that will add more than 400 new jobs. | | | | |
