Dallas' city government is facing a hefty bill as City Manager T.C. Broadnax prepares to exit the municipal stage. After submitting his resignation effective June 3, Broadnax could be looking at a golden parachute, with his contract stipulating a potential severance payout equal to a year's salary of $423,246. This comes as the city scrambles to find a temporary replacement, with the Dallas City Council setting their sights on Deputy City Manager Kim Tolbert to fill in the interim.

Coming under fire after having been praised for his focus on racial equity and steering the city through the pandemic, Broadnax didn't see eye to eye with some City Council members on certain issues, including difficulties in issuing building permits and lack of communication during crises. His departure, suggested after a majority of council members hinted it might be time to go, is ushering in an urgency to maintain equity as a priority in public service for his successor, a mission adamantly stated by council members like Adam Bazaldua. "It is crucial if we don't emphasize it through this process, it is inevitable that we will go backwards," Bazaldua told FOX 4.

While the City Council has previously expressed a desire for transparency in the selection process, with Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn highlighting unusual activities around the resignation, the exact sum of the payout that the taxpayers will be on the hook for, remains undetermined. Health care benefits and unused vacation time also factor into the forthcoming financial commitment from the city coffers. Decisions regarding Broadnax's post and severance will be clearer after a special City Council meeting is held, as requested in a memo obtained by The Dallas Morning News.

In the face of both praise and criticism, Broadnax looks to ensure a smooth transition that won't negatively impact the community. "During this transition, I am committed to working with the City Council and leadership team to ensure the continuity of programs, projects, and services to this community are not negatively impacted," Broadnax said in a statement. Meanwhile, Council member Zarin Gracey, feeling that Broadnax does deserve a payout, told The Dallas Morning News, "When you have a city manager who led like he did, I'm not sure what the issue is with a payout."