Kimberly Tolbert's start date as interim city manager, May 2, was approved by Dallas City Council members on Wednesday.
That decision was made a little over two weeks after City Manager T.C. Broadnax stated in a memo that he intended to leave his position on the same day — nearly a month earlier than his original resignation date of February 21. Broadnax is expected to join the City of Austin as its city manager on May 6.
Tolbert, who has worked for the City for over 30 years in various roles, including as Broadnax’s chief of staff, is one of two Dallas deputy city managers on staff, The Dallas Express has reported. Tolbert’s salary as interim city manager is set at $367,683.
Before the council members’ executive session on Wednesday to discuss Tolbert’s new start date — she was originally scheduled to become interim city manager on June 3 — they bid farewell to Broadnax in his final regular meeting. Mayor Eric Johnson did so while criticizing Dallas media for its coverage of his public disagreements with the city manager.
“I’m going to deal with an 800-pound elephant in the room … right up front because that’s who I am, and I’ve always been that way,” Johnson said. “This man and I haven’t always agreed, and that’s not a secret. … The media is going to feast on those times when we’ve not agreed. They’ll never tell you that 90% of the time we do [agree]. But that’s not a news story.”
The “times when they’ve not agreed” Johnson referred to have been widely covered by Dallas media, including when he was nearly fired when 20 terabytes of Dallas police data was lost after a ransomware attack last year that compromised the personal data of more than 30,000 people. Furthermore, Broadnax has repeatedly been faulted for his handling of the building permit process, which prompted some officials to push for his termination in 2022.
“I believe that the times that we’ve disagreed have been very much overblown and very much exaggerated and played up for various reasons,” Johnson said. “You can’t argue with the results. You can’t argue with the scoreboard. People can say what they want. I look back on the last [seven] years … and I see a lot of wins. You have to be disingenuous to say Dallas is worse off today than it was [seven] years ago. I get that [journalists] have a right to [write] stories in a dying industry.”
Johnson suggested that news stories about Broadnax’s performance as city manager are “clickbait” but that reporters “have to feed their families.”
The Dallas Express asked Johnson to elaborate on those comments, but he did not respond by the deadline.
“I just want to thank [Broadnax] for how you’ve served,” Council Member Zarin Gracey (District 3) said. “There are many names of black leaders who echo through city hall. Your name will … continue to echo through city hall from a staff perspective.”
Council Member Chad West (District 1) also shared his thoughts on Broadnax’s tenure in Dallas.
“Your team is here because of your leadership and you having their backs … when they’re being maybe unnecessarily attacked by us. I wish you well in Austin.”
Adam Bazaldua, who represents District 7 on the council, said that Broadnax is an exceptional leader.
“As a former teacher and council meeting enthusiast, I found inspiration in your leadership and hoped for the direction your vision would take our city. Your commitment to fairness has been a valuable lesson for me. Your professionalism has helped me develop. You truly embody the qualities of a great leader. You inspire people to be their best selves.”
Gay Donnell Willis, representing District 13, described Broadnax as an intelligent individual who can be stubborn at times, and thanked him for supporting his staff.
For the first time since his resignation, Broadnax spoke publicly to the council about his time in Dallas.
“First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the council — especially those who offered kind words. It warms my heart to hear that some people believe the city has improved since seven years ago. We haven't always made the right decisions as a team. I will miss this place, but it has been a great journey and an honor to serve as city manager of Dallas.”
