Dallas City Council names Kimberly Bizor Tolbert as interim city manager

The Dallas City Council has taken steps to ensure that there will be an acting city manager in place when the current city manager departs in June. In a twelve to two vote, council members appointed Kimberly Tolbert to serve as interim city manager. Tolbert currently holds the position of Deputy City Manager.

Council members pointed to a strained relationship between Broadnax and Mayor Eric Johnson as a factor influencing their support for Broadnax’s departure.

NBC 5 obtained a draft statement representing council members who backed the exit plan. The statement indicated:

“After careful consideration, it has become evident that the relationship between the mayor and the city manager has not fostered effective governance and the advancement of Dallas’ interests. The interaction between these prominent city figures has unfortunately impeded the realization of our city’s full potential, and it is crucial that we confront this issue directly to move forward.”

A reliable source with direct knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Broadnax’s departure informed NBC 5 that negotiations for a severance package for Broadnax and the commencement of a search for a new manager were spearheaded by three council members.

In the lead-up to Monday’s council vote, a coalition comprising at least six different organizations advocated for Tolbert’s appointment as interim city manager.

Harrison Blair, President of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, stated, “We want to observe the developments regarding the selection of our permanent city manager. However, for the interim transition, we aim to ensure stability for our city, and Kim Tolbert has demonstrated that.”

Tolbert, presently serving as deputy city manager, has held various roles within the city since the late 1990s, including Chief of Staff to the city manager.

Councilman Omar Narvaez expressed confidence in Tolbert, stating, “Searching for the next city manager for Dallas will require time, and I believe that Kimberly Tolbert is well-suited for the job.”

During Monday’s special meeting, discussions arose regarding whether the council should address the issue or if deliberations about an interim city manager should remain within the purview of the Ad Hoc Committee.

Council member Cara Mendelsohn expressed concerns about rushing to appoint an interim manager without considering all potential options systematically.

Mayor Eric Johnson opted not to attend Monday’s meeting, asserting that he believed the matter could have been addressed during a regular meeting.

Several council members emphasized that the decision was not hasty but made with the city’s interests in mind.

Broadnax is set to step down from the position on June 3. As Tolbert assumes the interim role, the search for a permanent city manager will commence.