Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against Dallas city officials, claiming they have violated a voter-approved measure regarding police funding. The legal action, revealed on Friday, targets City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert and Chief Financial Officer Jack Ireland Jr., accusing them of neglecting their obligations under Proposition U, which was ratified by Dallas voters in 2024.
### Allegations of Noncompliance
Proposition U mandates that at least 50% of any new annual revenue generated by the city be allocated toward police and fire pensions. Additionally, it requires maintaining a police force of no fewer than 4,000 officers, which is approximately 900 more than the number reported in 2024. Paxton alleges that the city miscalculated the excess funds available, asserting that while the expected surplus for the upcoming fiscal year should be around $220 million, Dallas officials only reported about $61 million.
“This lawsuit was filed to guarantee that Dallas provides adequate funding for law enforcement and adheres to public safety responsibilities,” Paxton stated in his press release. He emphasized that local officials must comply with voter mandates to ensure accountability and public safety.
### Concerns Over Police Compensation
In addition to the funding dispute, Paxton’s complaint highlights that Dallas has neglected to hire an independent firm to conduct an annual survey on police compensation, a requirement stipulated in Proposition U. The lawsuit demands that the city rectifies these missteps by allocating the identified excess revenue toward police officer compensation, pension contributions, and the hiring of additional officers.
City leaders have reportedly been proactive in addressing these concerns, with the Dallas City Council approving a comprehensive pension funding plan for the police department in December. The 30-year strategy, worth $11 billion, aims to meet the financial needs of officers in line with the provisions set forth in Proposition U.
The unfolding situation raises significant questions regarding fiscal management and accountability within city governance. As tensions rise around law enforcement funding across the nation, Dallas finds itself at the center of a legal confrontation that could have broader implications for public safety funding strategies in Texas.
Paxton’s actions reflect ongoing debates surrounding police funding and the expectations placed upon city officials to follow through with voter-approved initiatives. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring both the lawsuit’s progress and the city’s response in meeting its obligations under Proposition U.
Source reference: Full report
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