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San Antonio City Council rejects Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones' push for public vote on $489 million Spurs arena funding

San Antonio City Council narrowly voted 6-5 on Monday to reject Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones' proposal to put the city's $489 million contribution toward a new Spurs arena on the November ballot. The decision maintains the current agreement between the city, Bexar County, and the Spurs organization, which reached a consensus on the $1.3 billion project without requiring a second public vote. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones argued that a public vote was necessary due to the city's worsening financial situation and changing project plans, such as the removal of a 1,000-room hotel. However, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai defended the existing agreement, stating that 'a deal is a deal' and expressing concern that the county would spend its resources on its portion of the funding even if the city's portion remains unapproved by voters. While some residents and business owners expressed skepticism about the second vote, many agreed that the project would likely still receive public approval if it were to go to the ballot. The council's decision ensures the project moves forward as planned, utilizing various funding streams including hotel taxes, lease payments, and property tax revenue.

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