Audit Committee

Summary

This report from the City Auditor (AU25-032) examines the San Antonio Fire Department's (SAFD) process for managing deployments and ensuring reimbursement from requesting agencies. The audit covered fiscal years 2023 and 2024, reviewing approximately $2.3 million in reimbursements for 48 deployments. The audit concluded that SAFD generally manages deployments appropriately, monitors costs accurately, and receives proper reimbursement. Personnel deployed have adequate training and qualifications. However, the audit identified a weakness in documentation of deployment approvals and coverage assessments. Currently, approvals are handled via text or phone calls, and coverage assessments are discussed but not formally documented. SAFD management has agreed to implement a standardized "Deployment Authorization Form" to document these processes, ensuring better record-keeping and accountability.

Citizen Impact

This audit confirms that the San Antonio Fire Department is effectively managing external deployments and being reimbursed for costs. The identified improvement in documentation will enhance accountability and ensure adequate local coverage during external deployments, indirectly benefiting residents by maintaining service levels.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item is a briefing on the upcoming release of a solicitation for temporary electrical and plumbing services for the Convention and Sports Facilities Department. The estimated total value for the contract is $9,500,000 over an initial 3-year term, with two additional 1-year renewal options. The services will support events at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and the Alamodome, including power, lighting, compressed air, water, drain lines, and natural gas. The funding source is the Hotel Motel Tax Fund, and the current contract expires on September 30, 2026. The solicitation will be a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), with a proposed release date of March 4, 2026, and a contract start date of October 1, 2026. Evaluation criteria include experience, proposed plan, and preferences for Small Business Enterprises (SBE), local businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses.

Citizen Impact

Residents may see improved utility support for events at major city venues like the Convention Center and Alamodome. The contract's funding comes from the Hotel Motel Tax Fund, meaning no direct tax increase for residents.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Government Affairs Department is releasing a solicitation for State Legislative Consultant services. The estimated total value for these contracts is $1,600,000 over an initial 2-year term, with an option to renew for an additional 2 years. Up to five firms may be contracted, with a maximum of $400,000 allocated per year. These consultants will represent the City's interests in Austin, TX, by advocating with state agencies and legislators, implementing the City's legislative program, and monitoring legislative activities. The selection process will prioritize qualifications (75 points), with additional points for Small Business Enterprise (SBE) prime contracts (10 points), local preference (10 points), and veteran-owned small business preference (5 points). The anticipated contract start date is October 1, 2026.

Citizen Impact

These contracts will fund consultants to advocate for the City's interests at the state level. This aims to secure resources and favorable legislation that could impact city services and residents, though the direct financial impact on citizens is not detailed in this briefing.

Confidence

high

Summary

The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) is seeking proposals for a toxicology laboratory services contract. This contract will support the testing and analysis of approximately 2,500 blood samples annually from arrests related to DWI, DUI, Intoxication Manslaughter, and Intoxication Assault. The estimated total value of the contract is $5.6 million over an initial 3-year term, with two 1-year options to renew. The RFP will be released on February 6, 2026, with a due date of March 23, 2026, and a target contract start date of October 1, 2026. Key evaluation criteria include vendor experience, proposed plan, pricing, and participation in local and veteran-owned small business preference programs.

Citizen Impact

This contract ensures that critical forensic analysis of blood samples from impaired driving arrests will continue, supporting law enforcement and prosecution efforts. This directly impacts public safety by aiding in the legal process for serious traffic offenses.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Capital Delivery Department (CDD) is releasing a solicitation for Planning & Schematic Design Services for the Culebra Road project, specifically the segment from Loop 410 to General McMullen. This project, located across Districts 5, 6, and 7, has an estimated contract value of $9,000,000. The funding for this initiative will come from the 2022 General Obligation Bond and Federal Highway Administration funds. The solicitation will be a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), with a release date set for February 27, 2026, and the contract is anticipated to start in August 2026. Key evaluation criteria will focus on the respondent's experience, understanding of the project, and familiarity with the San Antonio region.

Citizen Impact

Residents in Districts 5, 6, and 7 can expect improvements to Culebra Road as the city begins the planning and design phase for this significant infrastructure project. The estimated $9 million contract will fund the initial design work.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council will consider a contract for the Capital Delivery Department (CDD) to provide design and environmental services for the Rittiman Road Grade Separation project. This project, located in District 2, aims to eliminate an at-grade railroad crossing at Rittiman Road and Gibbs Sprawl Road. The estimated total value of the contract is $6,300,299.39. The project is funded in part by a $4.8 million federal grant awarded in June 2023. The design and environmental review phase is expected to be completed by Fall 2028, positioning the project for future construction funding. This grade separation is anticipated to reduce traffic congestion at the crossing by up to 40 percent during peak periods.

Citizen Impact

Residents in District 2 will benefit from reduced traffic congestion at the Rittiman Road railroad crossing once the project is constructed. This contract award is for the design and environmental review phase, with construction funding to be sought in the future.

Confidence

high

Summary

The Office of the City Auditor's Report AU25-001 examined the effectiveness of San Antonio's 311 Customer Service Operations between October 2023 and May 2025. The audit concluded that while 311 has effective controls for call taking, CSR training, knowledge base updates, and backup operations, several areas require improvement. Specifically, the audit found that:

• CSR Coaching: Management is not consistently ensuring that Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) with unmet call metrics receive coaching, and the Performance Measures SOP is outdated.
• Inaccurate Aging Reports: Service Level Agreement (SLA) timeframes are not accurately reflected in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system (with 6% of tested SLAs incorrect and 14% missing), and closed service requests in the Chameleon system are not always integrating back to CRM (1% of tested requests).
• Reclassified/Reassigned Service Requests: 311 is not addressing reclassified and reassigned service requests in a timely manner, with some pending for up to 79 days.
• System Access: Inappropriate access to the Calabrio and CRM systems was identified, with some users retaining access for years after it was no longer needed.

311 management has agreed with the audit findings and has developed corrective action plans to address these issues, with anticipated completion by March 2026.

Citizen Impact

While the audit found many effective controls, improvements in CSR coaching, accurate tracking of service requests, and timely resolution of reclassified requests will lead to better customer service. Inappropriate system access could pose a security risk, which management has committed to addressing.

Confidence

high