After some council members withdrew their support for an expected review of City Manager T.C. Broadnax’s performance, a meeting to decide whether to remove him was postponed until June 23.
On Tuesday, in an email to council members, Mayor Eric Johnson said he had received a report from the City Secretary that some council members had asked to have their names removed from a memorandum asking for the original executive session to assess Broadnax’s performance.
“I do not mind taking another week to ensure my Dallas City Council colleagues can get comfortable with the process,” said Johnson. “I look forward to discussing our city’s direction and future next week.”
The private meeting may involve conversations regarding performance suggestions, contract termination, or Dallas City Manager Broadnax’s departure, said Johnson.
Broadnax is under fire for his response to criticism of the city’s troubled construction permitting process and for an IT technician’s loss of many terabytes of Dallas Police Department data during a server relocation in April 2021.
The Dallas Fire Fighters Association has likewise expressed displeasure. The organization’s leaders condemned Broadnax in a letter.
“Years of red tape, permitting issues, and delays from every city department who is involved in the process have caused areas of the City of Dallas to lack Fire and EMS coverage, endangering citizens and visitors,” wrote Jim McDade, president of Dallas Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 58.
Still, City Manager Broadnax had some councilmembers come to his defense on Tuesday and speak on the good that he has accomplished.
“I think that this city manager is the right person to lead our city moving forward for the years ahead,” said Councilman Jaime Resendez. He claims Broadnax has had a beneficial influence in Resendez’s southeast Dallas district, which includes Pleasant Grove.
City Manager Broadnax was also applauded for revisions implemented in the aftermath of local demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Multiple new programs have been implemented to reduce the use of lethal police force.
“He’s accomplishing goals, and I think he’s doing a great job even though he’s in the midst of this ongoing attack,” said Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold. “And it’s been going on for some time.”
Additionally, after harsh criticism of his previous choice for Police Chief, U. Renee Hall, Broadnax hired popular Police Chief Eddie Garcia. And during the unexpected COVID-19 outbreak, Broadnax operated the Dallas city government.
