San Antonio police officers could receive a cumulative 16.5% base pay increase under a tentative three-year contract agreement reached between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Officers Association.

The proposed agreement, announced July 17, would cost the city approximately $102.2 million over three years. City officials say the contract is intended to strengthen officer recruitment and retention while maintaining the city’s ability to fund public safety, infrastructure and other services residents rely on.

For San Antonio families and taxpayers, the agreement could affect both the city’s long-term budget and how police staffing is deployed across neighborhoods. In addition to increasing wages, the proposed contract would change patrol schedules so more officers are available during periods when calls for service are highest.

Proposed San Antonio police contract includes 16.5% pay increase

The City of San Antonio and the police officers association met 10 times after contract negotiations began Jan. 30.

Under the tentative terms, officers would receive cumulative base-pay increases totaling 16.5% over the three-year contract period. The city estimates the full agreement would cost about $102.2 million.

City Manager Erik Walsh said the agreement balances officer compensation with San Antonio’s broader financial responsibilities.

“This agreement delivers meaningful pay increases and strong health benefits for our police officers while balancing the City’s long-term fiscal health and our ability to fund the mandated services residents depend on,” Walsh said. “Our goal was to keep San Antonio among the top three Texas cities in total police compensation, and this agreement accomplishes that. Reaching an agreement before the FY 2027 budget is proposed also gives us a clear understanding of the costs as we prepare for next year. I deeply value the work our police officers do every day to keep San Antonio safe, and I appreciate Deputy City Manager María Villagómez and the entire City negotiating team for their hard work throughout this process.”

Reaching a tentative deal before the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget is presented gives city leaders a clearer estimate of future police personnel costs as they begin weighing other spending priorities.

City says total police compensation remains competitive

Before negotiations began, an independent study comparing Texas’ largest cities found that San Antonio Police Department compensation was already competitive when wages and benefits were considered together.

According to the city, San Antonio continues to rank among the top three large Texas cities in total police compensation across all career stages analyzed. Total compensation includes salary, healthcare coverage, pension benefits and retiree benefits.

The comparison matters as police departments across Texas compete to hire and retain qualified officers. City leaders have said maintaining competitive compensation can reduce turnover, support recruiting and preserve experience within the department.

Patrol schedule changes would target peak call demand

The proposed San Antonio police contract also includes changes to patrol schedules.

Under the new model, staffing would be more closely aligned with the times when emergency and nonemergency call volumes are highest. The city says the schedule realignment would increase officer availability for proactive policing while giving officers more scheduling options.

Officials believe the changes could support work-life balance, job satisfaction and retention while helping the San Antonio Police Department use its existing personnel more efficiently.

For residents, the practical impact could include more officers working during periods of heavier demand and more opportunities for officers to address neighborhood concerns before they become emergency calls.

The city has not yet released detailed precinct-by-precinct staffing information associated with the proposed schedule changes.

What happens next

The tentative agreement is not yet final.

Members of the San Antonio Police Officers Association must first vote to ratify the proposed contract. If the union approves the terms, the agreement will be presented to the San Antonio City Council for final consideration.

City Council approval would formally authorize the three-year contract and its associated costs.

Until both steps are completed, the existing labor agreement remains in place.

The proposed contract is expected to be considered as San Antonio officials prepare the fiscal year 2027 budget, a process that will determine how the city balances police compensation with other community priorities.

Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on the union ratification vote, City Council consideration and the potential budget impact of the San Antonio police contract.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.