The plan, which is an addendum to the Chief’s initial offer letter from the City of Dallas in December 2020, was signed in the manager’s office this afternoon. Tolbert became the Interim City Manager last week, after former City Manager T.C. Broadnax resigned to take the city manager job in Austin, Texas. 

Last week, rumors circulated that the cities of Houston and Austin are interested in hiring Dallas’ Police Chief Edgardo (Eddie) Garcia, who has led the city to a reduced violent crime rate. He has also instilled a new sense of safety among Dallas residents. 

“This was complicated, but we got it done,” said Tolbert. “If this was NFL Football, we were able to keep Chief Garcia on the Dallas Team; he’s the right quarterback to lead our police department. We certainly didn’t want to lose him to free agency.” 

Chief Garcia said he is grateful for Dallas’ commitment to his leadership and record. 

“To live and work in Dallas is to love Dallas,” Garcia said. “This is the right place to complete my service, and I know your police officers are honored to serve Dallas residents. We will keep doing our jobs with excellence and results.” 

Terms of the agreement include: 

• Garcia’s salary remains at $306,440.40, however beginning in November 2024, he will receive a retention bonus of $10K. That will occur every six months. 
• The chief is making a commitment to stay in Dallas until at least May, 2027. 
• If any city manager in the next three years terminates him for convenience Chief Garcia will be paid a year’s salary. If the chief voluntarily resigns, or is terminated for his individual work performance or is convicted of an offense of moral turpitude or a felony criminal act, he will not be payable. 
• Finally, the Chief has agreed to assist the city in the selection of a new chief when that time comes, and he will assist in all transition issues.