Mayor Jones confronts council vote on SAWS rate increase, city tax increase and Ye concert controversy

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is confronting a series of politically difficult decisions involving water rates, property taxes and the use of a city-owned entertainment venue for a concert with Kanye West, whose current legal name is Ye.

The City Council voted 6-5 Thursday to postpone consideration of a proposed San Antonio Water System rate increase until October. The multiyear proposal would have increased an average residential customer’s monthly bill by roughly $15 to $17 by 2029 to help finance wastewater plant upgrades, pipe replacements, backup generators and other infrastructure.

Council members supporting the delay raised concerns about SAWS management, water losses, operational efficiency and accountability…

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